One Shilling and Sixpence.
Mites
1887'.
EDITED BY
J. HUDSON TAYLOR
M.R.C.S., F.R.G.S.
UllttSttratthr.
LONDON: MORGAN & SCOTT, 12, PATERNOSTER BUILDINGS.
VbV7
Digitized by the Internet Archive
in 2013
http://archive.org/details/millions1887chin
CHINA INLAND MISSION.
Scale ol' English Mil. ..
Siiitun.; oP the Cliuut Irilnrul H£us.iiorh, cux underlined red
Fi I'm f7i#» Church MLiSiOrum Atlas.
KVVANG-TUNG
... Pop. 17$
Millions.*
HU-KEH
... Pop.
20}
Millions.
Sl-CHUEN
... Pop. 20
Millions.
FUH-KIEN
... Pop. IO
,,
KlANG-SI
... Pop.
«s
tl
Yi n-nan
... Pop. 5
.,
Cheh-kiang
... Pod. 12
M
Gan-iiwuv
... Pop.
9
Kwei-chau
... Pop. 4
,,
KlANG-SU
... Pop. 20
,,
Shan-si
... Pop.
9
..
Kwang-si
... Pop. 5
,,
SlIAN-TUNG
... Pop. 19
„
Shen-si
... Pop.
7
Hu-NAN
... Pop. 16
M
Chih-li
... Pop. IO
• •
Kan-suh
... Pop.
3
»
Ho-NAN
... Pop. 15
••
* The estimate of population is that given in the last Edition of " China's Spiritual Need and Claims."
Chinas Millions.
EDITED BY
J. HUDSON TAYLOR, M.R.C.S., F.R.G.S.
1887.
London :
MORGAN AND SCOTT, 12, PATERNOSTER BUILDINGS, E.C.
HAZELL, WATSON, AND VINEY, LD.,
PRINTERS,
LONDON AND AYLESBURY.
"79/ j
^xtfatt
'"PHE readers of China's Millions will have rejoiced with us in the progress of the work of God in
China. The growth and development of the China Inland Mission encourages hope of much
greater extension in the near future. Many have joined in the prayer that a hundred new workers
might be given us in 1887, as was first mentioned in our January number ; many have rejoiced in the
augmented income ; many have given thanks as band after band have left our shores for the field. And
now that the number is complete, we may well look back, grateful for the manifest answer to prayers,
and ponder a few of the questions their going forth is calculated to suggest.
I. They have gone in glad obedience. The Master said Go ! and they have gladly gone. They
did not need to ask Why ? His word sufficed. The words " to every creature " proved that the
command was still in force, for 1,000 cities and countless towns and villages in China were waiting for
them, and are still waiting for some of you, our readers, to follow. To " The Hundred " the words
Go and Stay had not a letter in common.
II. They have gone in fullest confidence. They never asked, Is His command a wise one or a kind
one ? To them He is wisdom, He is love. When He gave the command He knew all involved to
those who go, to those they leave, to those amongst whom they will labour. That He gave the com-
mand proved to The Hundred that it was needed, that they were right in obeying, that it was the best
course both for the loved ones at home and for the lost ones abroad.
III. They have gone without anxiety. There would be no step of the way unknown to Him.
They went not alone : He was with them alway, and would be with them. They would never have a
need of which He would not know, and for which He had not promised the supply. No crooked place
could arise in their path which He would not traverse in order to make it straight. No complication
could arise which He would not deal with. All authority on earth, as surely as in heaven, is given
unto Him.
IV. They have gone to do a definite work. Not to try this or that, but to do, in the strength of
the Lord, what He has told them. And what is their commission? to make disciples — to turn men
and women from darkness to light, from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive remis-
sion of sins and inheritance among those who are sanctified by faith in Christ Jesus. They know
full well that they have no more inherent power to do this than had the man with the withered arm to
stretch it forth. But they know that divine commands mean divine enablings. They are therefore
gone, abiding in Christ, to bear this fruit ; and by His grace it will be borne — souls, many souls, will
be saved. This is as certain now as it will be after their baptism; just as The Hundred themselves
were as certain to go twelve months ago as it is certain now that they are gone.
Do we not all need to dwell more frequently on the certainty, the absolute certainty of divine
things ? Why is gravitation certain ? Because it is a divine Law. Why is Scripture just as certain ?
Because it is a divine Word. Why is the prayer offered in the Name of Christ as certain to be
answered as the sun is to rise ? Because both are according to the divine Will : both are promised in
the divine Scripture.
In that Book of certainties we see unmistakeably the woeful position of the heathen, and can well
see why the command to evangelize them all is given. If we could not see, it would, nevertheless,
be our duty, or let us rather say, our privilege, to obey. But our Master treats us as friends, and
tells us His reasons — and one of them is the awful position of the heathen.
iv PREFACE.
Some men say that as the heathen never had the Bible they are excusable.
GOD'S Word says : " They are ' without excuse.' " — Romans i. 20.
Some say, Well, but the guilt and consequent punishment of the unsaved at home are so much
greater than theirs, that we ought to spend all our efforts at home.
GOD'S Word says : " Are we in worse case than they ? No, in no wise." — Rom. hi. 9.
Some say, Since they have never heard of the Saviour, God will be merciful and will somehow
save them.
GOD'S Word says : " They that sin without law perish without law." — Rom. ii. 12.
Some say GOD will not condemn the heathen.
GOD'S Word says: " Idolaters and all liars shall have their portion in the lake which
burneth with fire and brimstone." — Rev. xxi. 8.
Some say that the duty of Christian sons and daughters (unless the former can get civil or
military or mercantile appointments of a profitable character, or the latter can marry well) is to STAY
at home, and be a comfort to their parents and friends ! They quite admit that they are absolved from
this duty if they gain the appointment or the marriage connection, and that in these cases it is their
duty to GO, at the human command. But the mere divine command is to be disregarded ; or at
most compounded for, by a money gift towards sending out some poor orphan that nobody cares to
keep at home !
GOD claims for Himself All the Firstborn, i.e., every member of the Church of the
Firstborn who are enrolled in heaven. Is it not an insult to Him to make more of earthly
gains or position than of the interests of His kingdom ? Is it not robbing Him to keep one
back from His service whom we should not withhold from the Queen of England, or even
from a suitable husband ? Is it not for Him to decide whether we, or our loved ones, serve
Him at home or abroad ?
The Parents and Friends of "The Hundred" have recognised His claim, and have given them
up to Him. He will give, and He will be, their " exceeding great reward."
The account of the Annual Meetings, and Report, may be useful to friends who are not
acquainted with the work of the China Inland Mission.
The Lists of all the Protestant Missionaries in China, corrected for July, 1887, by the Secretaries
of the various Societies, will be valued by all interested in the progress of Christ's kingdom in China.
Those interested in Medical Missions will be glad to learn of the arrival of Drs. Parry and Pruen
in the vast capital of the West, Chen-tu (Si-ch'uen), of the blessing attending the labours of Dr.
Wilson at Han-chung (Shen-si), of Dr. Edwards at Tai-yuen Fu (capital of Shan-si), and to have a
record from the pen of Dr. Douthwaite of his own labours, and cf those of Dr. Cameron, at Chefoo
(Shan-tung). Dr. Stewart, while still much engaged in study, is already able to render valuable help
to Dr. Edwards.
We are thankful to find that many of our Readers have valued the papers in continuation of
"The Retrospect" published in this Volume, as well as the First Part published in the Volume
for 1886.
The letters from many workers show how the very richest spiritual blessings may be enjoyed
among the heathen; and how truly God does fulfii His promise of a hundredfold reward, where the
condition of abiding in Christ is not lacking. The Testimony of Mr. G. B. Studd is worthy of
permanent record.
V^^^JyAiT
$nim\
After the Conference II
Anniversary Meetings-
Afternoon Meeting —
Address by George Williams, Esq. (Chair-
man) ... ... ... ... 8i
,, ,, B. Broomhall, Esq. (Secretary) 8l
,, ,, Rev. J. Hudson Taylor 83, 87
„ „ Mr. A. C. Dorward 86
,, ,, Rev. James Stephens, M. A. ... 88
,, ,, Messrs. Curnow and Stooke ... 89
,, ,, Misses Campbell and William-
son 89, 90
Evening Meeting —
Address by T. A. Denny, Esq. (Chairman) 90
,, ,, Rev. J. Hudson Taylor ... 91
,, ,, Rev. H. W. Hunt 94
,, ,, Rev. W. Cooper ... ... 95
,, ,, Rev. Thos. Champness ... 96
,, „ R. Radcliffe, Esq 98
,, ,, Mr. A. Eason 98
Answers to Prayer ... ... ... ... 63
A Piiceless Privilege ... ... ... ... ... ... 103
A Rich Reward ... ... ... ... 60
Are we Right in Expecting Immediate Results ? ... ... 57
Arrivals from China —
Rev. J. Hudson Taylor ... ... ... ... 40
Mr. Dorward ... ... ... ... ... ... 40
Rev. W. Cooper ... ... ... ... 40
Mis. Nicoll 40
Mr. and Mrs. Eason ... ... ... ... ... 54
Rev. Hy. W. and Mrs. Hunt 68
Rev. S. A. and Mrs. Clarke 103
Mr. and Mrs. Stolt 120
Anivals in China 80,103
B
Baptisms and Candidates-
Bhamo
Che-foo ...
Chen-tu ...
F.m-ch'eng
Fung-hwa...
Gan-k'ing
Han-chung
Hung-t'ung
Ilwuy-chau
Kin-hwa ...
Kiu-chau ...
Kwei-yang
Kwei-k'i ...
Laigan District ...
Lan-chau ...
Ning-hai ...
Ning-kwoh
Ning-po ...
Peh-shih-kiai
P'ing-yang
Fu-hien
Sang-ngoh
Shan-si
Shao-hing...
Sha-shi
Ta-ku-t'ang
Ta-liFu
T'ai-chau
T'aiping Fu
T'ai-yuen ...
Ts'in-chau
Wu-hu
Wun-chau
Vang chau
Yih ko-ciin
Yuh-shan
Blessing among Sailors at Che-foo
Blessing in Yang-chau
page
54.74
102
12
13
14
I3i
53. "5
66
i'5
55
28, 72, 143, 144
43,94, in, 156
5?
... 14, 51, 115
14, 78, 79, 114, 120
52
154
48, 49
78, 79
China Inland Mission —
Abstract of Accounts ...
Comparative Statistics ...
List of Missionaries
Stations and Missionaries
" China's Spiritual Need and Cla ; m:i "
Che-foo Schools —
From the Chinese Recorder
Che-foo Girls' School —
From Miss Knight
Circular Letter from Rev. J. W. Stevenson
Days of Blessing in Inland China
Degradation of Women
Departures for China —
Miss Kerr
J 45
Mr. W. S. Johnston
103,
156
,, Frank McCarthy ...
...67, 113,
153
,, Biock
14,
IIj
,, Russell
I3>
"5
,, Darroch
>4
,, Dymond
.—
in
., Pollard
44. 112, 119,
174
Rev. G. F. and Mrs. Easton
27
Miss Stewart
14, 26, 50,
115
„ Muir
25
,, Burroughes...
... 27,66,
i'5
,, Britton
...115, 112,
156
,, McVVatters ...
114
,, Thomson ...
57
,, Johnson
156
,, McQuillan
27,
103
,, Gates
"5
,, MacKee
131
„ Miller
,. 104
.. 84
■ Ij4
.. 106
.. 71
.. 26
,. 123
31.73
71
62
14
28
28
40
40
40
40
40
54
54
54
54
54
54
54
54
54
54
54
54
VI
INDEX.
Departures for China {continued) —
Mr. and Mrs. Judd
Miss Groves
„ Webber
„ Parker
Mr. and Mrs. Armstrong
Miss Knight
„ Ellis
,, Scott
,, Miles
it Judd
,, Culverwell ...
„ Forth
„ Stewardson...
Mr. Coulthard
,, Lewis
„ Hoddle
,, Curnow
,, Faers
ii Drysdale
„ Mills...
, Jas. Adam ...
„ Arch. Gracie
Mr. and Mrs. Tomkinson
Miss Holme
,, Waldie
,, Ferriman ...
„ Bastone
„ Hook
„ Cutt
„ Fryer
Rev. W. D. and Mrs. Rudlar.d
Rev. Ed. and Mrs. Tomalin .
Mr. W. L. and Mrs. Elliston .
Mr. Dorward
,, II. N. MacGrcgor ...
Mr. and Mrs. Stooke ...
Mr. A. Ewing ...
,, D. Lawson ...
„ A. II. Huntley
Miss Fanny Boyd
,, Florence Ellis
„ Clara Ellis ...
,, Willianuon...
,, Palmer
,, Hainge
„ Mitchell
,, Marchbank...
,, Ramsay
,, Gertrude Ord
Mr. Ririe
,, Redfern
,, Wellwood
,, Saunders
,, Bland
,, Lutley
„ Vale
,, I'anson
,, Waters
Miss M. Graham Biown
„ F. M. Williams ...
,, J. Arthur
„ M. T- Eland
,, E. Kenttield
,, L. Chilton ...
,, A. Barrett ...
Diary of Mr. Hope Gill
Edict of Toleration
Encouragement at Wun-chau
First Days in Chang-shan
54
54
54
54
68
68
68
68
68
68
68
68
68
20
20
20
20
20
20
20
20
20
3i
31
31
31
31
31
3i
3i
3i
3'
3t
46
46
46
46
40
4"
s«
56
56
50
56
56
.so
56
56
5"
5"
56
56
56
50
56
5"
5"
56
S«
56
56
56
i<>
56
56
45
3i
5'
130
First Experiences
First-fruits in Lan-chau
First Sight of Idolatry
For the Young
Fruits of Travel
Gainers by Giving
H
Hand of the Lord in Ho-nan
Help in Times of Need
Hope for the Future
I
In Memoriam —
Mr. John Challice
Mrs. Douthwaite
Itinerant Work among Wcmen-
Miss Lily Webb
,, Byron
,, Macintosh ...
Lessons Learnt in Hwuy-chau
Letter from W. T. Berger, Esq.
List of Biitish Protestant Missionaries
,, Missionaries of the C. I. M....
,, American and Continental Missionaries
PAGE
117
57
128
64
145
128
129
20
12
... 100
ico, 1 16
32
37
37
24
99
132
134
148
M
Medical Mission Work in Han-cluing
17, 45, 11S, 152
„ ,, at Chc-foo ...
US
,, ,, at T'ai-yvien Fu
27, 144
Memorial Sermon for Mrs. Douthwaite —
By Rev. J. L. Nevius, D.D
116
Missionary Call, The ...
'37
Missionaries, Correspondence, etc. —
Adam, Mr. James
156
Andrew, Mr. George
27, 66
Armstrong, Mr. Alexander
103
Armstrong, Mrs....
iji
Bngnall, Rev. Berj.
68, 74
Bailer, Rev. Frederick W
123
Barclay, Miss Ellen A. ...
... 38.67,80
Black, Miss Maty
65, 156
Beauchamp, Mr. M., B.A.
54, 145
Bcynon, Mr. W. T
... 28, 54, 80
Broomhall, Miss A. G. ...
28
Broomhall, Mr. A. Hudson
28, 79
Brown, Mr. George Graham
131
Burnett, Mr. W. E
14, So
Butland, Miss
Byron, Miss Maria
37
Cardwell, Rev. J. E.
• •• 52.65, 131
Carpenter, Miss M.
26
Cassels, Rev. W. W., B.A
67
Clark, Miss C. P
40, 79
Clarke, Mr. G. W
28,63
Clarke, Rev. Samuel R.
67
Cooper, Rev. William ...
... M. 23. 95
Coullhard, Mr. John J
131
1 Kivis, Miss L. ...
14, 3"
Dick, Mr. Henry
«3«
Dorward, Mr. A. C.
86
Douthwaite, Dr.._ ...
101, 13S
Douthwaite, Mrs., the late
ioc, 116
Eason, Mr. Arthur
98
Easton, Rev. G. F. ...
156
Edwards, Dr. ,. ...
27,54, 7'- 144
INDEX.
VI 1
Evans, Miss Mary
Evving, Mr. A. Orr
Fenton, Miss E. C.
Forth, Miss L. M.
Foucar, Mr. F. T,
Gibson, Miss Agnes
Gill, Mr. \V. Hope
Grierson, Mr. R
Harrison, "Mr. M.
Heal, Mr. J. A
Hogg, Mr. Charles II. ...
Hoste, Mr. D. E.
Hunt, Rev. Henry W. ...
Hutton, Rev. Thomas ...
Jakobsen, Miss A, S. ...
James, Mr. T
Johnson, Miss Emily M.
Jones, Miss S. E.
Judd, Charles II.
Kay, Mr. Duncan
Kerr, Miss C. M.
Key, Mr. William
Key, Mrs. W
Kinahan, Miss F. R.
King, Rev. George
Kings, Miss H. E.
King, Mr. Thomas
Knight, Miss Ada E. ...
Laughton, Mr. William ...
Littler, Miss C
Macintosh, Miss
MacKee, Miss Maggie ...
Marston, Miss Eleanor ...
Malpas, Miss L
Meadows, Rev. James ...
McCarthy, Rev. John ...
McFarlme, Miss
Miller, Mr. George
Muir, Miss S
Murray, Miss C. K.
Murray, Miss M
Oliver, Miss Jane C.
Parker, Mr. George
Parry, Dr
Parry, Mrs.
Peaise, Rev. Edward
Polhill-Turner, Mr. A., B.A.
Reid, Mr. John
Reuter, Miss S. ...
Riley, Mrs
Robertson, Mr. D. M. ...
Robertson, Miss J. D. ...
Say, Miss Annie ...
Sayers, Mr. Eldred S. ...
Scott, Miss M. E.
Slimmon, Mr. J. A.
Smith, Mr. John...
Smith, Mr. Stanley P., B.A.
Steven, Mr. Fredk. A. ...
Stevens, Miss Jane
Stevenson, Rev. J. W. ...
Stewart, Dr
Sturman, Mr. T. II.
Studd, Mr. C.T., B.A. ...
Tapscott, Miss ...
Taylor, Mr. H. Hudson...
Taylor, Mrs. H. H.
Taylor, Miss Annie R. ...
Taylor, Miss M. H.
Terry, Mr. W. E.
Thompson, Mr. David ...
Thomson, Miss Cath. ...
Todd, Miss Cath. A. ...
Walker, Mr. Maurice J....
Webb, Miss Jennie
Webb, Miss Lily.,.
• ■• 57
67, 142
... 63
... 128
... 27
••• 53
... 145
27,65
... 65
... 14
... 67
119, 125
28J '54, 68,' 77,
27,
... 80
28, 102
...
... 24
... 156
•■• 53
...So,
103, 156
24, 27
65, 143
... 74
53, 76
67, 156
... 14
... 80
14, 80
... 123
... 25
... 130
- 37. 53,
i3i> iS4
... 103
14, 64
... 66
5i. "7
... 78
40, 53
27
. 53. 103
... 19
... 78
... 120
...
i4>5i
... 57
... 153
20
54, 146
••• 53
49.77
... 50
... 48
... 65
... 129
... 65
- 155
... 129
27
.66, 131
4, 11, 44, 68,
101, 124
... 145
143. 156
12, 31, 52, 65 :
73. 144
1
I. 53- 79
72, 102
- 54
... 156
■■• 53
53.79
14, 62,
80, 156
' 53.
79. 156
28,68
... 25
... 156
... 67
... 128
... 156
32,78
N
Whitchurch, Miss
Williamson, Rev. J.
Wilson, Miss E. ...
Wilson, Dr. Wm.
Windsor, Mr. Thomas
Wright, Mr. Andrew
Native Conferences ...
Native Workers —
Mr. Hsi
Chang Chih-heng
,, Chang Chu-hui
,. Sung
,, Fan
„ Shih ...
,, Liu Pao-lin ...
,, Wang
.. Tung
,, Ch'ii
Mrs. Liang
Mr. Ch'u
,, Tsii ...
,, Hsu ...
,, Fan Lih-yu ...
By Miss Jakobsen
,, Mr. Sturman ...
Notes of Praise
Notes from Shanghai ...
On the Borders of Mongolia
One Year in China ...
Poetry and Music —
Go, Work To-day
The Missionary Call
Progress in Shao-hing
Prayer Answered in T'ai-yiien Fu
PAGE
80,156
13
66, 80
17,45, "8, 152
66
26, 50
5, 8, 10
6
6
7
7
8
8
10
10
10
10
... 77
... 23
... 119
... 119
... 102
... 102
... 50
5-
62
142
62
137
117
72
R
Report of Native Conferences ... ... ... ... 4
,, for the Year 1886 109
,, of the Hospital and Dispensary at Che- foo ... 138
Retrospect, A 55, 69, 121, 135, 149
Robbery in Ts 'in- chau 146
Signs of Blessing
Sorrow in T'ai-yiien Fu
Stations and Missionaries of the C.I.M.
103
7i
106
Taylor, J. Hudson, Articles by —
Divine Possession and Government
A Letter to Friends
A Retrospect
Extracts from Letters ...
The Hundred ...
Testimony of Mr. G. B. Studd
Testimonials presented to Dr. Wilson
Tidings from Scattered Workers 13
I.
II.
III.
55,
1
15
29
41
69, 121, 135, 149
3
146
... 125
19.45, 152
14, 26, 27, 28, 53, 54, 65,
66, 67, 68, 79, 8o, 103, 131, 156
vm
INDEX.
TAGE
PAGE
Tidings from S. Shan-si
44, 74. 76, 77. 101, 119, 124,
125
w
Tidings from T'ai-yiien
143.
144
Work in the Hu-nan Province
„ Lan-chau
24
25
V
Work around Sha-ihi ...
Woman's Work in Ts'in-chau
50
3*
Visit to Fuh-hsing-tsih
-
23
,, ,, Sl-CH'UEN
„ „ Yang-chau
38
,, the Outstations of Shao-hing
51
—39, 43
,, a Village
58
,, Ts'ing-kiang-p'u
129
Y
,, T'ai-yiien
144
Village Work
'55
Young Men's Missionary Training Home
213
%\Bt of Illustrations,
A Mandarin and Guest
Chinese Mode of Punishment
A War-junk
A Chinese Toy-vendor
An Agricultural Ceremony
A Wheelbarrow Ride
A Pekin Cart
Chinese Musicians
A Chinese Gong
A Street in Pekin
Chinese Eating-houses
Chinese Archers
Hill and Lake of Wan-show Shan (Pekin)
Map of S. Central Shan-si
China's Greatest Statesman— Li Hung-Chang
Wall Dividing Pekin
Colossal Statue of a God
Prince Kung
Eating-House on the Shores of the Pei-ho
1
7
*5
2 (
29
35
4i
47
55
61
69
75
109
119
1 2 1
i-7
»35
141
M9
Jfronttspiccc — |$tap of (Tbina.
Ch
INA'S
M
ILLIONS
A MANDARIN AND GUEST.
gifautc y §Q$sc$$\mx mxix (Botanmcnt— -I.
Judah became His sa?ictuaty,
Israel His dominion." — Ps. cxiv. i, 2. R.V.
" When Israel went forth out of Egypt,
The house of facob from a people of strange language,
I HEN Israel went forth out of Egypt!" " Went forth out" but why did they go in ? It
would be easy to reply to this question, that the famine compelled them to do so, or
that the exaltation of Joseph made it to their interest ; but these replies would only
raise the further questions — Why was the famine sent ? and why was Joseph himself
found in Egypt, and exalted there ? We must look deeper than this for the true reason. Israel failed
in the land of promise so to know the God of his fathers as to live a life of subjection and trust
himself, and to influentially illustrate that life to his children. One of his last utterances in the land
of promise abundantly shows this : " All these things are against me." Poor Jacob ! He has had
many successors ; and not a few have gone down from the land of promise into the land of bondage,
and have in consequence sojourned there among a people of strange language. It is in the land ot
Egvpt, and not in Canaan, that we find Jacob using the words: "The God before whom my fathers
Abraham and Isaac did walk, the God which hath fed (lit. shepherded — fed, guided, governed, delivered)
— The God which hath fed me all my life long unto this day, the Angel which hath redeemed me from
all evil, bless the lads."
The beginning of the sojourn in Egypt promised well ; but hard was the bondage in which it
terminated. It seemed hopeless, too ; from within there was no power to deliver ; from without no
power to pity and redeem. True, a deliverer was given, was providentially spared, and
January, 1887.
CHINAS MILLIONS.
marvellouslytrained in all the wisdom of the Egyptians ; but his first impetuous effort to help his people
ended in disaster, and necessitated his flight. Long, lonesome years were passed — and many of them —
in the backside of the desert, ere his eye was opened to behold the marvellous spectacle of the burning
bush, and he received the commission to go in strength not his own, and relying on the presence of
the great I AM, to deliver the Divine Commission to Pharaoh, and to bring forth the elect people —
all wayward and unworthy as they were — from under the hand of their taskmasters. Had such a
people as Israel not been taken down into Egypt, and kept separate, they would have mingled with the
Canaanites, and lost the privilege of being dwelt among, and governed by, the great I AM.
Kept there until the fulness of times, it was equally necessary to bring them out ; for it is not
written, "while Israel was in Egypt," but, " when Israel went forth out of Egypt, Judah became His
sanctuary and Israel His dominion." The proud word of Egypt, in the mouth of their sovereign
and representative, was, " Who is Jehovah, that I should hearken unto His voice, to let Israel go ?
1 know not Jehovah, and, moreover, I will not let Israel go." Nor were these the
sentiments of the Egyptians only ; too deeply had Israel drunk into the same spirit; and despite the
plagues in Egypt and the miracles accompanying their exodus, again and again revolting, Israel
despised the Lord, and indulging their own wilfulness, brought upon themselves many and sore
judgments ; until at last that whole generation lay buried in the desert, and it was their children who
possessed the promised land. Their coming out also from Egypt was unmistakably needful.
Such were the people to be brought into fulness of blessing ; on such were the covenant blessings
to be bestowed. But, was ever a work more difficult of accomplishment ! Was it wonderful that one
who knew the people so well as Moses did, and who himself had yet much to learn about God, should
hesitate in hopelessness ere obeying the word of command ? But God was fully able to deal with all
the difficulties, internal and external ; and step by step He led His reluctant servant on, proving to
him at every turn that nothing is too hard for the Lord. The power of Egypt was proved impotent
to resist ; the unwilling people were made willing in the day of His power ; and under the leadership
of Joshua, was fully accomplished that which by the hand of Moses was commenced, and the chosen
people entered into possession of the promised land.
How was this glorious issue brought about ? To this question we have in very few words the
true reply : —
"Judah became His sanctuary,
Israel His dominion."
It was not the matter of Moses, the leader ; of Aaron, the priest ; or of Joshua, the faithful servant
and successful general. Their names are not even mentioned in this Psalm. Nor was it a question of the
docility of Israel, or of their apprehension of the relationship which the great God condescended to bear
to the chosen nation. It was the great and glorious FACT that HE took possession of Judah,
and, coming down amongst them, sanctified them by His presence. It was the great FACT that,
willing or unwilling, HE claimed Israel and made Israel His dominion, and governed them for their
good, — ofttimes in spite of themselves — that led to this glorious issue : —
" When Israel went forth out of Egypt,
The house of Jacob from a people of strange language,
Judah became His sanctuary ;
Israel His dominion."
Little did the tribe of Judah apprehend of the greatness of that glorious One who humbled Himself
to dwell among them, and who in due course became incarnate in their royal house. Little did they
realize of the honour conferred upon themselves by His presence. Little did they practically rise to
the dignity and sanctity becoming those who were indwelt by the Holy One. What deliverance it
would have wrought from their craven-hearted fears ; what confidence would have replaced their timid
apprehensions, had they even feebly grasped the blessedness that was theirs ! But the FACT
remained, despite their failure to apprehend it ; and, notwithstanding all the hindrances and delays
caused by unbelief, it secured the ultimate fulfilment of God's covenant promise.
Nor was it the tribe of Judah alone that was taken up ; God laid hold on the whole nation. God
had become their God, and they had nationally become His dominion — -Jrom His side. Rebellious as
they proved individually, and destitute as they were of that rest and peace which might have been
their portion, the possession of Canaan was secured to the nation by the FACT that Israel had become
His dominion ; and this, whatever might be the fate of faithless individuals among them, or even of
vast multitudes of sinners against their own souls.
But ; while it was impossible for the purposes of God to be frustrated — while the want of faith of
CHINA'S MILLIONS.
some would not make of none effect the faithfulness of God, how great was the loss of those who
were without faith, and who wilfully attempted resistance, instead of gladly yielding submission !
Against the will of God the resistance of Israelites was as vain as the resistance of Egyptians, and
would only issue in their own loss and ruin. What happiness the people missed ! What hills of iron
and brass, and valleys of milk and honey they might have possessed and enjoyed, instead of wander-
ing, weary and hopeless, in the dreary wilderness, which ultimately became their grave, as they
miserably perished one by one. How solemnly does their fate emphasize to us the assurance, that
while, if we be willing and obedient we shall eat the good of the land ; on the other hand, un-
believing questionings as to whether the Lord is with us or no — and still more an unyielded will — can
only grieve Him, and prevent our success in His service. Shall we not rather, then, joyfully accept
His word, " Lo, I am with you alway ; " His loving assurance, " I will in no wise fail thee, neither
will I in any wise forsake thee ; " and whatever our circumstances, with good courage say :
" The Lord is my helper, I will not fear;
What shall man do unto me ? "
Friends at home, in the many cases connected with their families, their business, or their service
for Christ ; we out here, in conflict or in peace, in the joys of success or the trials of reverse, may
take hold of the consolation that He has taken hold upon us, may sanctify the Lord in our hearts,
who has made us His sanctuary, may gladly yield up ourselves to Him, who has taken us for His
dominion, and live out that life without carefulness, that life of daily help and deliverance, to which
He has called us.
" The Lord thy God is in the midst of thee,
A Mighty One who will save.''
HE wills to save ; and who shall stay His hand — His right hand — stretched forth to help and
deliver His trustful, obedient people ?
(fefraxts foam thitai* IMlers.
FROM J. HUDSON TA YLOR.
BEGAN a long journey to our inland stations on
-*- May 4th, and am travelling still, now in the 9th
province visited on this journey. One I only touched
at and had a short conference with our workers ; each
of the others I have crossed, save the last, Hu-peh,
which I am crossing now (October).
The journey has in many respects been an interesting
one to me. I have never before visited Shan-si and
Shen-si or Western Chih-li, or Northern Hu-peh. It
has been very cheering to meet some hundreds of native
Christians in places in which ten years ago the name of
Christ had never been heard, and in which the workers
of the C. I. M. alone are to be found.
Among the converts are some remarkable men — pastors
and teachers who can tell their fellow-countrymen that
they too a few years ago were idolaters, opium-smokers,
and the like, and who have proved in thisWte the power of
Christ to save, and the blessedness of unreserved conse-
cration to the Lord.
One of these, once comparatively wealthy and now
comparatively poor, having spent freely his time and
money in the Lord's service, told me very simply how he
had opened the last opened city to the Gospel. His wife,
like himself, an earnest Christian, had sold her bracelets,
earrings, and other jewelry, and with the money he had
rented and fitted up a house for an opium refuge. Then
he got two native Christians to go and work the refuge
without wages, having only their food provided and an
occasional small sum for incidental expenses. He pro-
vided them with medicines and taught them how to treat
the opium-smokers, who pay a small sum for their
medicine and food while under treatment. The smokers
are told that the cure will probably be neither complete
nor permanent unless they become Christians ; and a
good number have, thank God, accepted Christ as their
Saviour. Oh ! for more of such men among our native
Christians, who knowing the grace of our Lord Jesus
Christ will imitate Him, who, though He was rich, for
our sakes became poor.
We have in China great numbers of blind and deat
and dumb persons, for whose good little has as yet been
attempted. Of the blind we have several converted, and
Mrs. Pigott has gone to the expense of having the gospel
of Mark printed in Dr. Moon's system for the blind.
Will you pray that some one may be led to care for these
needy ones, and that blind scripture-readers and evangel-
ists may be trained to work for the Lord. At Fan-ch'eng
which I passed two days ago, there are two blind
Christian men, one of whom preached well ; but neither
can read at present.
CHINA'S MILLIONS.
MY long journey has been one of many mercies and
great interest to me. Difficulties and even dangers
have not been absent, but the Lord has answered prayer
in each case. It has been a great joy to meet with the
native Christians and to take part in the ordination of
three pastors and two elders, and in the appointment of
sixteen deacons from among them. But oh, the un-
evangelised regions ! all open, the people kind,
accessible, apparently just as amenable to the Gospel as
those now saved, and needing it just as much as they did,
but no man or woman careth for their souls, or for the
Master's command.
No work between Tien-tsin aud Pao-ting Fu, none
between there and T'ai-yiien ; a station 120 li S.E. of T'ai-
yilen, and then none to Hoh-chau and P'ing-yang, none in
Shen-SI south of K'iih-wu, and you know there are only
our two men in all Ho-nan. Entering Shen-si atT'ong-
kwan there was no worker till we met Mr. Hogg, at Si-
gan Fu, the capital ; none to the north and none south
either, till reaching Han-chung Fu, after 1040 li of travel.
And yet, in this perhaps 3500 li, we passed through I
should think 700 towns, cities, and villages, and saw some
hundreds more quite near to our pathway.
Is not the church by its disobedience to the Master's
command — " to every creature " damning the world ? For
no other name is given than that of JESUS, and those
cannot believe in Him who have never heard His name.
I can write no more— but it is written, " He that believeth
not shall be damned." Pray, oh, pray earnestly for more
workers.
Itp0rf 0f Halifax €mAtxmm at futng-fimg antr JJwg-png Jfw,
FROM MR. STANLEY SMITH.
THE T'ai-yiien Fu Conference being over, we left
that city in detachments for the South ; the first
consisting of Mr. Key, Mr. Lewis, and myself; the
second of Mr. Cass*els and Mr. Hoste, who went by a
western route to Sih-chau and Ta-ning Hien, intending
to bring on a few Christians to meet us at Hung-t'ung ;
the third of Mr. Hudson Taylor, Mr. Herbert Hudson
Taylor, Dr. Edwards, Mr. Studd, and Mr. Beauchamp.
From the province of Chih-li on the east, right across
to Kan-suh on the west of China Proper, there is a very
curious, but deep and rich deposit of light soil. Though
exceedingly fertile, its nature is such that in dry weather
the roads are deep in dust, and in wet weather in mire.
The large proportion of the year in Shan-si, there is
usually no rain, but when it does come, the roads in many
places have all the appearance of canals, and are quite
impassable for carts ; beasts of burden and pedestrians
even sometimes being delayed on their way, unable to
proceed.
The first party, travelling by cart, got to Hung-t'ung
without mishap ; the second, alas ! never reached there,
being detained by rain on the west of the Fen river ; the
third — Mr. Taylor's party — arrived there on July 30th, two
days before the Conference, their journey having been
most difficult, not to say dangerous. Now they had to
skirt a narrow ledge, while masses of rock, varying from
a few to several pounds in weight, kept falling ; now they
had to ford streams, the currents of which were so swift,
that many times they were nearly — and in one case one
of the number actually — carried off their legs, while now
again they would have the greatest difficulty with the four
beasts of burden.
As an instance of their difficulties. The day before
they arrived at Hung-t'ung, they were crossing over the two
ranges of hills that separate the P'ing-yang and T'ai-yiien
plains. In these mountain-passes there are numerous
narrow gorges or defiles, whose almost perpendicular
walls are sometimes a hundred feet high. In these
defiles, when the rainy season is on, there often occur
landslips of greater or less magnitude. If the landslip
be small, it forms a quagmire, sometimes covering
part of the surface of the road, sometimes the
whole of it. It fell out on that day that the two pack
mules got so involved in one of these "quags," that the
burdens (which have no undergirths, but are just placed
on frames) were literally floated in the mire right off their
backs. There was nothing for it but for Mr. Studd and
Mr. Beauchamp to wade into the mud, and, raising the
packs, get them carried away one by one by the muleteer ;
this done, the mules, by great exertion, managed to
extricate themselves.
Shortly to describe Hung-t'ung. It is a busy town
lying twenty miles north of P'ing-yang, on the main road
to T'ai-yiien, the capital of the Shan-si province. The
tract of land surrounding the city is well-watered, the
consequence being that it is exceedingly fertile : a
very great variety of vegetables and roots being grown
just outside the four walls. Beyond the South Gate flows
a perennial stream ; it has its source in a spring in the
hills, distant some eight miles, and it is chiefly the water
of this stream that is used to such advantage in the market
gardens. Five miles to the west is the Fen river, while
five miles further to the west is a range of hills. This
range, as the back-ground of a fertile and fairly well-
wooded tract of country, forms a very pretty landscape
view from different points of vantage. On the north side,
distant some thirty miles, stands out in bold relief as a
sort of guardian sentinel of the P'ing-yang plain, the great
Hoh-Hill, the summit of which is about 5,000 feet above
the sea.
The first day of the Conference was Sunday, August
1st. The programme of meetings was drawn up on the
day preceding, but was afterwards slightly modified.
Its corrected form is as follows : —
Sunday, 7 a.m., Mr. Chang Chih-heng.
„ 11 a.m., Mr. Hudson Taylor and Mr. Hsi.
„ 7 p.m., Mr. J. \Y. Stevenson (a testimony
meeting).
Monday, 7 a.m., Mr. Fan.
„ 1 1 a.m., Ordination of native pastors, elders,
and deacons.
„ 3 p.m., "The Lord's Supper," Mr. Hsi and
Mr. Stanley Smith.
On Saturday evening we had the usual C.I.M. praycr-
meeting. Mr. Stevenson gave us tidings of fellow-workers
at Han-chung, which station he had visited before he came
to P'ing-yang, and it was most encouraging to hear the
accounts of God's work there.
While we had our English meeting, Mr. Hsi led a
CHINA'S MILLIONS.
Chinese one ; and by this time over ioo male and female
church members and inquirers had arrived. The meet-
ings finished, it was of course time for retiring ; not only
were there present the one hundred and more natives, but
we foreigners were no small addition to the number.
The house at Hung-t'ung is not large, consisting only
of two courts— the smaller court being the opium refuge.
And yet somehow we managed to pack in. The opium
refuge (which in the hot weather has no occupants)
received the ladies, while the larger court took in the men.
The majority of the men slept on the floors of rooms
covered with plaited rushes ; upon the rushes were spread
the bedding, about the thickness of two or three rugs,
which is always used by the Chinese in these parts —
others slept on plank beds, others on the k'angs or brick
beds, others on forms, while some put up with tables So,
as regards the body, it was decidedly picnicing, but being
summer, and the Lord giving the most perfect weather, it
was an easy matter.
Briefly to describe the main court : on the south side
of the courtyard is the worship-hall, a large room 42 feet
by 21, and about 25 feet high ; on the east and west sides
are two blocks, 40 feet by 10 ; on the north side is a wall
with a door in the centre, leading into the lesser half of
the court. The courtyard is surrounded by a stone
corridor, raised about a foot above the basement, except
on the worship-hall side, where it is 2 feet above.
In the big meetings the courtyard was filled with male
church members, the worship-hall contained the lady
church members, the raised space between did for a plat-
form, and was reserved for the foreigners and those who
took part in the meetings, while the surrounding corridor
as well as every available space, was crowded with out-
siders. Doubtless, these outsiders came with all sorts of
motives, some from curiosity, some to see the place, some
to see the foreigners, while some, thank God, as after
events proved, with the earnest desire to hear and get to
understand the doctrine of Jesus.
Clje Jpuwr-i'mtg Conference, %\\$. Jst ttirtr 2nb.
DEEPLY INTERESTING NATIVE TESTIMONY.
The 7 a.m. Sunday service was led by Mr. Chang Chih-
heng. He took for his subject, the men bringing the sick
man to Jesus ; and as they could not get to Him, break-
ing up the roof to let him down into His presence.
The 1 1 a.m. service, led by Mr. Hudson Taylor and Mr.
Hsi, was a sight not soon to be forgotten. There cannot
have been less than 300 listeners in the court ; it made
our hearts glad to think of Mr. Taylor's joy as he saw those
earnest worshippers, and in that sight some outcome of
years of prayer that has known no ceasing, of labour that
has known no respite ; above all did it raise our hearts to
Him who in that gathering saw further " of the travail of
His soul," and was being " satisfied."
Mr. Taylor spoke to the Christians present on the three-
fold gift of Jesus to His believing ones in John xiv., xv.,
xvii. "My peace," "My joy," "My glory." Mr. Hsi
addressed the unconverted.
The Sunday evening testimony meeting, led by Mr. Ste-
venson, was quite one of the best meetings. Mr. Stevenson
opened with a few remarks on the words, "The kingdom
of God is not in word, but in power." In throwing the
meeting open, he called upon any who wanted to witness
for Jesus to rise in turn. The first to speak was the well-
known Mr. Hsi.
Before we proceed further it would be well to make a
clear statement as regards the remarks of those who
spoke. Three days after the Hung-t'ung Conference,
there was another held at P'ing-yang Fu. There Mr. Hsi
again testified, his address being in substance much the
same as that at Hung-t'ung ; but as in the latter address
he gave a few additional particulars, it was thought it
would give more succinctness to his testimony if what
was left out in the one place were supplied from what was
added in the other. With regard to the other testimonies
as the time given to each was exceedingly short (there
being so many who were willing to speak), it was deemed
wise to submit the notes of their remarks to their own
revision, at which time they were allowed to make what
additions they thought would give a clearer statement of
the facts of their several cases.
THE TESTIMONY OF MR. HSI.
In looking back on my past life I can indeed see the
guiding hand of God. Even when only eight years old I
was different from other boys. I remember thinking then,
"What is the use of being in this world? men find no
good;" and I remember crying as I thought of it. When
nine years old my brother urged me to begin reading books,
telling me I could get all sorts ol good from so doing, and
finally become a mandarin. " Well," thought I to myself,
" what good is there in becoming a mandarin ? Sooner or
later I must die ;" and I feared to die. For years I had the
dread of death before me, and used to wonder how it
could be avoided. I had heard of Taoism, and heard the
Taoists speak of " ch'ang sheng pu lao " {i.e., " living con-
tinually without ageing"), so I determined to try their
system. This consists, firstly, of refining and eating " the
pill" ;and, secondly, by quiet meditation and reflection to
attain to immortality. To my surprise, I was taken some
time after with an illness. " Why," thought I, "before I
went in for Taoism I had great strength, now I am sickly ;
; s this becoming an immortal ? " My eyes were then
opened to see that Taoism was a delusion. My profession
was at this time a barrister, and my illness began to inter-
fere greatly with my legal duties ; as it got worse and
worse there was nothing for it, as I thought, but to smoke
opium. The more I smoked the worse I got, till I had to
take to my couch, and remained there a year and a half.
Once I was so ill that my friends put on the death clothes,
thinking that the end was just coming. However, God
helped me through, and I recovered partially of the ill-
ness, but still kept on with the opium.
Some time after this, in the time of the great famine, an
Englishman of the name of Li (Mr. Hill, of the Wesleyan
Mission, Wu-ch'ang), came to help us in our extremity.
When he had been here some time distributing food and
money, he offered a prize of thirty taels (£7 10s.), for the
best essay on given Christian subjects. The competitors
had books supplied from which to read the subject up,
and my essay gained the prize. The next thing was to
get the money. I had heard many reports that foreigners
could bewitch people, and I feared to fall under their in-
fluence. However, I went to P'ing-yang Fu with my
brother, and stopped in an inn. My brother volunteered
to go for me to get the money, but he came back saying
the foreigner wanted to see the very man who had written
the essay. Well, I was in a dilemma ! On the one hand
I feared bewitchment, on the other hand I feared to lose
the thirty taels. At last I decided to go. On inquiring
at the door, I met Mr. Sung and two men of the name of
Li, all three of them natives. Addressing them, I said,
" May I ask what you do here ?" " Oh," said they, " we
are helping the foreigner." "And don't you fear being
bewitched?" "No, indeed," they replied, "no more would
you if you knew him." Mr. Sung then obtained an inter-
view for me with Mr. Hill. One glance, one word, it was
CHINA'S MILLIONS.
enough ! As stars fade before the rising sun, so did his
presence dissipate the idle rumours I had heard ; all
trace of my fear was gone, my mind was at rest. I be-
held his kindly eye and remembered the words of Mencius,
" If a man's heart is not right his eyes bespeak it." I rea-
lised I was in the presence of a true man.
He asked me most courteously to drink tea. The devil
again suggested the vile slander, " What if there be
medicine in the tea ? " but instantly the thought was
banished. Tea having been drunk, he produced the
thirty taels, and complimenting me most warmly on my
essay, handed them to me, adding at the same time that
some learned scholars in T'ai-yiien Fu had seen the
writing and commended it most highly. I had no sooner
got the money than again the devil whispered the sug-
gestion, " After all he is a deceiver, though all appears so
fair : you had better take the thirty taels, go home, and
see him no more."
Not long after Mr. Sung came to my house and said
Mr. Hill wanted to see me. Arriving at the city [Mr.
Hsi's home is fifteen miles to the south-east of P'ing-yang
Fu], I went straight to his house, and soon got an inter-
view. " I want you to help me," said Mr. Hill. I replied,
" I fear I do not understand foreign matters." " It is not
foreign matters I want," said he ; "I want you to write
essays. Can you do that?" "Yes." "I want you to
read the character. Can you do that ? " " Yes." " I
want you to be my teacher for a period. Can you be
that?" ' ; Yes," I replied ; "all these things I can do."
I then went home, with the determination quickly to
return to Mr. Hill and help him, provided my family were
favourable to it. For although by that time my fears of
suffering delusion and bewitchment were gone, it was by
no means so with my mother and wife ; they were quite
alarmed, especially my mother. So much so that I had
to go back to Mr. Hill and say, " I must at first, if you will
excuse me, only be here ten days on trial : my mother is
afraid of my coming, and if on returning home after that
period she still objects, I must beg of you not to expect
me." Mr. Hill gladly consented to this arrangement. At
the end of the ten days, on reaching home, my mother,
seeing nothing strange about me, ceased to object, and I
returned, with her sanction, to Mr. Hill.
At this time I still smoked opium. I tried to break it
off by means of native medicine, but could not ; by use of
foreign medicine, but failed. At last I saw, in reading
the New Testament, that there was a Holy Spirit who
could help men. I prayed to God to give me His Holy
Spirit. He did what man and medicine could not do ; He
enabled me to break off opium-smoking. So, my friends,
if you would break off opium, don't rely on medicine, don't
lean on man, but trust to God.
Thanks be to God, He afterwards saved my soul. Mr.
Hill led me to the gate, God caused me to enter. I read
more of the Testament ; I saw there that Jesus was not
a mere man, but God taking on Him flesh. I remember
weeping as I read how He died for me. Jesus led me
on, and trusting Him I ceased to doubt. At that time
there were only three native worshippers. I asked Mr.
Hill, by Mr. Sung, as my spokesman, if I could join
them in worship. Mr. Hill said to Mr. Sung, "I fear
it is yet too early ; I fear lest, coming on too quickly, he
will go back too soon." I replied to Mr. Sung, " That
I now want to worship God is not because of Mr. Hill,
but because of God's own teaching ; I know for myself ;
I have read His word ; I know my sins are great ; I
ought to go to hell. I know, too, that Jesus is able to for-
give my sins, able to save me from sin, able to save me
from hell, and to give me to live in heaven for ever."
Mr. Hill returned the answer, " Come, by all means."
Returning from worship, Mr. Hill was extremely pleased.
Oh ! how kindly he treated me. I loved him as a father,
he loved me as a son. I stayed with him two months, and
then he had to go ; fast fell the tears as we parted. Do you
ask why ? Not only for his own sake, but because I saw this
whole region left as sheep without a shepherd. How-
ever, in time God sent others. Shortly after my wife
and mother believed ; my wife got healed of illness ;
my whole household were at peace. My friends, is not
this the grace of Jesus ?
MR. CHANG CHIH-HENG.
When I was eighteen years old a friend told me I
ought to do right and live well. I began fasting and
chanting prayers. During that time the thought often
came, men must die ; after death, where do they go ? I
was always wretched through this fear of death. The
fasting and chanting continued for the space of
two years. When I was twenty years old there was
a foreigner selling books in K'iih-wu. I bought a gospel
of Matthew and a gospel of Mark, but hardly understood
a sentence. Four years passed on, and I again heard of
an Englishman selling books. I questioned him as to
the meaning of " God," and hearing his answer, deter-
mined to go to P'ing-yang for instruction. Knocking at
the door of the P'ing-yang "Jesus Hall," I was met by
Mr. Hsi, and then saw Mr. Hill. After this I heard Mr.
Turner preaching from the words, " It is appointed unto
men once to die, and after this the judgment." This
seemed to me very awful ; and more and more did I fear
death. He went on to tell us if we wanted to escape the
ordeal of the Judgment Day we must " trust Jesus." I
only remembered those two words, but they were enough.
My mother and wife were much opposed ; I could only
tell them, " Well, I believe Jesus died for me.'' Now
they both believe. Ever since that time I have had peace,
and the fear of death has gone.
MR. CHANG CHU-HUI.
1 am a P'ing-yang man, and all here know me. Before
the great famine I was a soldier in the Ho-nan province.
Leaving the army, I got back to P'ing-yang just before
the famine began. At the time of the famine, my family
being in the greatest distress, Mr. Hill directed
three or four thousand cash (twelve to fifteen
shillings) to be given me. Some time after, wanting
to thank Mr. Hill in person, I called at his house,
but found he had left P'ing-yang, and had gone to
T'ai-yiien. However, I saw Mr. Turner, and, men-
tioning the fact to him, he thought of a plan of at once
making use of me, and giving me my heart's desire ; he
sent me up to T'ai-yiien with letters. I then saw Mr.
Hill, and he employed me for three months. During
that time he taught me to read a good many characters ;
I formerly did not know one. Following him to worship
once, I heard him sing " Jesus loves me." " Ah," thought
I, "he can sing that, but I can't.'' After the service
Mr. Hill said to me, "Jesus loves not only me, but you."
I afterwards followed him to Pekin and Tien-tsin, and
there saw him on board the steamer. It was hard indeed
to say "Good-bye"; I never shall forget his parting
word, "Jesus is able to forgive your sins. Don't you
ever forget this."
Returning to P'ing-yang, I found there were five men
waiting to be baptised. I asked Mr. Turner, through Mr.
Sung, if I could be baptised. Mr. Turner said, " No, too
early yet ; I don't Icdow if he thoroughly understands."
A few days after, standing by the baptistry, Mr. Turner
said to me, " Chang Chti-hui, what is this ? What is the
meaning of this baptism?" I said, " This baptistry is
as it were, a tomb ; just as Jesus died on the Cross, was
buried and rose, so we — dying to our old life and being
CHINA'S MILLIONS.
buried in the waters of baptism — should rise again to
serve God." He said, " Right ! you may be baptised."
One of the former candidates proving unsuitable, I took
his place, and we five were baptised together. After this I
went with an English missionary selling books in Ho-nan.
There we had some strange experiences. The Ho-nan
people hate foreigners, and are very fierce ; once we only
escaped stoning by the missionary producing his passport.
At another time we could get nothing to eat, the people
of the town we reached refusing to sell to us: however
in that province, God
prospering us, we
sold thousands ot
books. Two or three
years after, being
again in P'ing-yang,
my wife having died,
Mr. Hsi took my
little boy and girl
and brought them up
as his own. Some
time after, I said to
Mr. Hsi, " I want to
do a great work for
God ; let me have
some of your opium
pills and I will start
an opium refuge." I
first went to K'iih-wu
in the south ; but
afterwards feeling
that God would have
me work north, I
went to Chao-ch'eng
in the beginning of
last year. For two
weeks no men came,
and my money was
nearly all gone ; but
I kept praying and
believing. God then
sent me eight men,
they increased in
numbers, till there
was not room for
them ; many of them
not only broke off
opium, but got their
souls saved. A little
while after God gave
me to open an opium
refuge at Hoh-chau,
and in that district,
too, God has led
souls to Himself.
MR. SUNG.
I formerly feared
death. On hearing the Taoist doctrines, I determined
to enter that sect. I studied their books, and for twenty-
five years abstained from all meat. I, moreover,
followed the Buddhists in reciting the incantations.
Instead of obtaining peace, my heart became increas-
ingly wretched and unsatisfied. Then came the great
famine. In the first year of the famine, I saw a boy
with the gospel of Matthew ; he lent it to me, and I
read it. I was immensely taken with the life of Jesus,
but what struck me so was that such a good man should
come to such an end. I remember weeping over the
story of the crucifixion ; but at that time, though I loved
Jesus, I did not know He could save me. Some time
A CHINESE MODE OF PUNISHMENT,
after, Mr. Hill came to P'ing-yang ; the famine was at its
height, my daughter-in-law and daughter both died in the
space of three days. At that time Mr. Hill came to my
house to ask me to look after a young connection of mine
who had been cast out by his parents, and was nearly
starved. I told him my circumstances, how a few days
before I had lost two children by famine, and in what
straits I was. He promised to help me, adding, he
would pay for the keep of the child. Just before this
time I happened to see a copy of the treaty of the
Western Powers with
China. I noticed
particularly that each
western kingdom
took its year's date
from the birth of
Jesus (Anno Domini)
1800 odd years ago.
On thinking the
matter over it came
to me, Well, if the
doctrine of Jesus is
"the heavenly doc-
trine," is it not right
that time should be
so reckoned ? and
will not China, too,
soon own His sway?
With these thoughts
in my mind, I went
to Mr. Hill's house to
consult about my
young relation. I
there learned that
Mr. Hill taught the
doctrine of Jesus.
At this time I still
read incantations.
Mr. Hill, on hearing
this, told me I had
better pray to God.
I told him I couldn't
pray. He gave me
a book called " Ques-
tions and Answers
on the Heavenly
Doctrine." I studied
the book for five
months ; and from
that time I began
to pray to God and
fully believe in Jesus.
My wife, however,
was still a worship-
per of idols, and
would recite incan-
tations a hundred
times a day. But
gradually she listened to my words, and finally became
a worshipper of the Heavenly Father.
Since then we have both richly received God's grace ;
formerly we did not get on well together, my temper was
bad, and so was hers ; but since we have believed in
Jesus we have had the deepest fellowship.
MR. FAN.
I am well known to you all ; my
a village close to Hung-t'ung. When
old I entered a secret society, for I
you belonged to that society you could
mity. While in this society I burned ever so much
home is in
eleven years
heard that if
escape cala-
CHINA'S MILLIONS.
incense, and piled up ever so much merit ; but not-
withstanding suffered ever so much calamity. I left the
society.
Years after a friend of mine in Hung-t'ung bought a
book of a foreigner ; its title was "The Three Needs."
He showed it me, and told me a little of what it said. I
was interested, and determined to go to P'ing-yang to see
the foreign teachers. I there saw Mr. Turner and Mr.
Drake. Mr. Turner told me of the hope of eternal life,
adding, " If you want to obtain this, you must awake to
the sense of your danger, for your sins are upon you, and
must trust Jesus to be forgiven." Afterwards Mr. Chang
Chu-hui took me to Mr. Hsi's village, where I saw Mr.
Hsi ; it was there I received the Holy Spirit. I then
knew that idols were false, that Jesus could save, and
that the Heavenly Father was the true God. While there
Mr. Hsi wrote out a prayer forme ; as I could not read, I
could not at first use it, but I stayed at Mr. Hsi's house
until I was able to read and repeat it, and then returned
home, able to pray to God. While at Mr. Hsi's, he had
told me to go to P'ing-yang and get a New Testament.
I accordingly went and got one': on returning to my
home, I found that my little child of six years old, while
playing in the yard, had been carried off by wolves and
eaten. It was a time of deep trial, but I then greatly
obtained God's grace, and the Holy Spirit influencing my
heart caused me to know the Heavenly Father better.
After this, the people in the village wanted me to worship
idols ; but I would not ; I knew that it was breaking
God's laws. The people said, " If you don't we shall
meet calamity, we shall get no water ; and if so, we will
pull down your house. Through God's grace the river
water was more than ever, and my faith in God in-
creased. This being so they could not carry out their
threats, and from that time I never offered to idols.
Since then the devil has counted me as his enemy. I lost
two horses and a donkey ; again a wolf took away
another of my children, five years old ; my farm had
scarcely any crops : year by year he has tried to harm
me. This year I lost my only little son by small-pox,
and my nephew's son of seven years old was also carried
off by the same illness in my house. However, I am
deeply thankful for God's grace. He constantly gives
me opportunities of hearing His teaching. Let the devil
hurt if he will, I know Jesus can save. My whole
family is with one heart and mind serving God — that
is my great joy.
MR. SHIH CH'lNG-LAN.
When I was sixteen I began smoking opium, and con-
tinued till I was twenty-seven years old. Mr. p"an ex-
horted me to give it up, but I would not ; I used to laugh
at him, because at that time I had money. However,
shortly after came the famine, and what with heavy
opium-smoking on the one hand, and the famine prices on
the other, I began to be in want. " Well," thought I to
myself, "if I don't break off the opium I am a ruined
man." I feared the foreign medicine, as men said if
you took it you would be bewitched ; but on hearing of
Mr. Hsi's medicine I determined to try that. This was
the medicine that Mr. Fan, of my village, was using to
cure his opium patients. I accordingly went to him.
At first Mr. Fan would not receive me to break off opium,
though he told me I was at liberty to hear doctrine
there. In a little time Mr. Drake came to lead worship
at Mr. Fan's ; I heard him preach, and all the more
wanted to break off opium. Still Mr. Fan would not re-
ceive me. Afterwards Mr. Hsi came ; he said to Mr. Fan,
"Why did Jesus come? It was to save sinners; don't
look whether he is good or not, but receive him ; it
may be the Lord will save him.'' Mr. Fan consented.
When I came I was told to pray ; at first I didn't un-
derstand ; however, that night I began to pray, and
went on about half the night, asking God to help me.
God did greatly help, and my cure was effected. When
I had been in the opium refuge a few days, my case was
getting on so favourably that I went to my father, who
is sitting there, and asked him to join me in giving up
the drug. He was sixty-three years of age, and had
been an opium smoker forty years. He had formerly
followed a secret society. The devil tempted him greatly ;
he had served him so long that the devil was loath to
give him up. At last, another disorder setting in, he
determined to get the craving cured. God helped
him also. When we were both cured, we consulted
together, and determined to take all our false gods and
burn them. From that time we have worshipped God.
After that, my uncle, Shih Ta-hsing seeing us, also
broke off opium. Shortly after this there was a " great
gathering" at P'ing-yang Fu. I then went to Mr. Hsi's ;
he exhorted me never again to smoke opium or worship
idols. I told him, I wanted for my life-time to worship
God. After a little the Holy Ghost influenced my heart,
and caused me to see that Christ was the Light of the
World. The next year my father and I were baptised.
I want to praise Jesus for ever and ever.
MR. LIU PAO-LIN.
At first I did not know God. I was a great sinner,
fond of cheating men, gambling and smoking opium.
One day, a friend named Chang Ho-ching said to me,
" Why don't you give up opium-smoking, and get your
craving cured ? " " What ! " said I, " have you been
bewitched by the foreigners ? You have suffered their
deception, and now you want me to suffer." He came
twice like this. I then began to revile him ; he came
again, and got like treatment. After he had gone, my
conscience began to smite me. I said to myself, '' Ah !
surely my sins are deep-dyed to treat my friend like this,
when he is seeking my good." That night, I said to my
wife, "Although I revile Chang Ho-ching, you see his
opium-smoking is cured. You have such an illness it
looks as if you won't live, and I also have disease, and he
says God is able to save us." My wife said, " Well, who
but God can help us ? But now that you have treated
Mr. Chang so badly, I doubt if he will come again.' 1 I
replied, " If God will indeed help us, Mr. Chang will be
sure to come again ; when he does, I will certainly
listen to his words." Not more than two or three days
passed, and he came again : that time I received and
treated him well. I said to him, " How did you get
your craving cured ? " "Ah!" he replied, "I fear if I
tell you, you won't believe ; if you would believe, your
illness and your wife's would, both be healed." "I am
ready to believe," was my answer. "Well then, if so, you
must no more worship these false gods ; in three days'
time I am going to Fan village ; do you come there with me
and worship the true God." Arriving at Fan village, I went
to Mr. Fan's house and stayed till my craving was cured ;
my heart, however, was still wretched. Mr. Fan said to
me, " I fear your heart is not at rest, you look so miser-
able." " It is because of my wife's illness," was my reply,
" I don't know if she be alive or not." Mr. Fan said,
" Let us pray, and soon go to her, and see if we can
help." So we went. On our arrival, as soon as I saw
her face, I knew that she was a great deal better ; for
three or four years past she had not been able to wait
on me. She, however, got up and prepared tea for us.
I was much struck with this answer to prayer. Returning
to Mr. Fan's village, Mr. Fan constantly prayed for me.
I could not pray. I remember one day hearing a hymn,
"Alas ! my heart so dark ! " and thinking surely that is
CHINA'S MILLIONS.
me. Not long after I went to the P'ing-yang Fu great
gathering. While there I met Mr. Hsi. He questioned
me as to my former life, and then told me of Jesus. I
went back to Fan village. Mr. Fan preached on the ten
lepers being cleansed, and only one returning to give
thanks ; thought I, I will be one to " return." That one in
the parable did not forget God's grace, no more will I.
I went home and told my wife ; she, too, believed — we
were as two raised from the dead. Aftera little while, Mr.
Fan came, accompanied by Mr. Hsi. Mr. Hsi spoke with
us, read the Testament and prayed ; when he had
finished I prayed, and so did my wife. Mr. Hsi was full
of joy, saying " Truly this is the grace of God." As we
came to the parting-place on the road, Mr. Hsi knelt
down and prayed, and as he prayed he wept ; he told me
afterwards that he wept for fear lest I should go back. After
some days I heard Mr. Hsi preach ; he said, "We were
not saved only for our own benefit, but to save others ;
we ought to pray for others, set a good example and
preach to men the Gospel."
I went home and began to pray to God for a
fellow-helper. Soon a man, with whom I had been on
bad terms, asked me how I got cured of the opium
craving. On telling him he offered to accompany me to
Fan village. There hearing the doctrine he was con-
verted, came back and opened a worship-hall in his house
for our village. The Lord afterwards saved other souls.
Truly, this is God's loving-kindness.
MR. HUDSON TAYLOR.
This most interesting meeting then closed with a
few words of testimony from Mr. Hudson Taylor. He
told us how he was converted, when in a careless state of
soul, by reading this sentence in a tract — " the finished
work of Christ " ; his mother, many miles away, being
in prayer for him at that very time.
He also spoke of God's faithfulness to him in after
life, and the encouragement it was, after twenty years'
labour and prayer for Shan-si, to have listened to the
words of testimony which had been given.
Sfttfnb gag 0f Confcwittc.
The next day, Monday, the second and last day of
the Conference, Mr. Fan took early prayers, and in his
speaking his theme seemed to be " Jesus " right
through.
At eleven o'clock we gathered together for the ordina-
tion of native pastors, elders, and deacons.
Mr. Hudson Taylor, inviting the brethren working in
the P'ing-yang district, to unite with him in the laying
on of hands, after a few words of fervent prayer, set
Mr. Hsi apart to be a watcher over and feeder of the
sheep of God. He was ordained pastor of no particular
district ; he has done such an extensive work, and been
so owned of God, that it was thought best that he should
be considered as free to go anywhere for the work of
God in these parts, knowing well how he would be wel-
comed by all the churches.
Mr. Sung was then set apart as native pastor of the
P'ing-yang Church.
The ordination of pastors being over, two native
elders were set apart : Mr. Chang Chih-heng to P'ing-
yang, Mr. Shih Ch'ing-lan to Hung-t'ung.
There were sixteen deacons appointed, of whom only
seven were present. Altogether it was felt to be a most
solemn service. We ask the prayers of all friends that
a sense of the solemnity of their several charges may in-
creasingly rest upon them.
The number of members having already begun to
thin considerably, it being the busy time of harvest, it
was determined to have the Lord's Supper in the after-
noon. Of this sacred ordinance over seventy partook.
The newly-ordained pastor, Mr. Hsi, presided, and
Mr. Stanley Smith gave an address on, "This do in re-
membrance of Me."
This service finished the Hung-t'ung Conference.
Early the next morning some started for P'ing-yang Fu,
the others following them the day after.
&jjc |P mg-irattg Jfu €o\\Uxtna t |lugusi 5th m\b 6tlj.
This Conference was a much smaller one than that
at Hung-t'ung, there never being more than fifty people
present at the meetings ; but still it was a very profitable
one. This gathering was specially held for those who
could not get to Hung-t'ung. The first early morning
meeting was taken by Mr. Ch'ii, who has been through
much persecution for the Lord's sake at Ta-ning Hien,
and a Mr. Fan, Mr. Beauchamp's teacher. The midday
meeting was led by Mr. Hudson Taylor and Mr. Hsi. It
is much to be regretted that the notes taken of this blessed
meeting were so scant. The Lord specially helped His
servants.
Mr. Taylor said :—
" I have believed in Jesus for more than thirty years. The
first ten years I believed that He could save me from hell.
But, alas! my life and experience during that time were very
unsatisfactory — sometimes up, sometimes down, some-
times cold, sometimes hot, sometimes fond of reading the
Bible, sometimes not. I had a wife then, who seemed to
have no changes — always the same, whether she was in
prayer or engaged in household duties, whether she was
well or ill. As I watched her, I became conscious that
her service to God and mine were of two kinds. I asked
her how it was, in her case, that she was so without
change? She replied, 'It is not me, but the Lord.'
This did not help me, for I did not understand it. I then
constantly read and prayed, but it seemed as if no unction
of the Holy Spirit came. At last my eyes were opened to
see that if I believed Jesus was able to save my soul, I
must believe, too, He is always able to keep. One day,
reading the verse, ' He that cometh to ME shall never
hunger, and he that believeth on ME shall never thirst,'
I said I must at once trust, and fear no more. Since
that time I have had joy and rest in my heart. Though
my face has not always bespoken peace and joy, in my
heart there have been always present these blessings.
And now, after twenty years, though I am not able to say
I have not sinned, yet I do know Jesus can give us a
peace — a joy — a rest. Jesus always can save. Don't
trust yourself, therefore ; always trust Jesus."
I then gave a short account of the Hung-t'ung Confer-
ence, and Mr. Hsi added a few words of testimony.
The evening meeting was led by Mr. Stevenson, and
was a testimony meeting.
Mr. Stevenson, in his opening remarks, after defining
witnessing for Jesus, said : — " I can say Jesus is my very
best Friend. He has forgiven my sins, and fills my soul
with perfect peace. I know He is in my heart. If I did
not constantly praise and extol Him, the very stones would
cry out against me."
IO
CHIAA'S MILLIONS.
MR. WANG.
I recently was fond of opium and gambling. Six years
ago I was thin and emaciated. See how stout I am now !
This is all God's grace ; others all rejected me ; I had not
a friend ; but He saved me. One look at the Cross and
I was healed. I hope for a lifetime to put forth strength
for God.
MR. TUNG.
For seven or eight years I gambled and was fond of
using bad language. I spoke with some of the Christians,
but they were not my lot, and I didn't believe
in them. One day Mr. Chang Chu-hui left me a book,
asking me to read it. I read about Jesus, but although I
was interested, I did not understand the doctrine. Shortly
after Mr. Fan having been beaten by the mandarin, I
attended him daily. I heard his words, and also in the
chapel attended worship. I then went everywhere trying
to find out how to get saved. Now I know those who
repent earnestly and believe in Jesus obtain salvation.
MR. ch'u.
Brethren and sisters, please hear my words. Formerly
I was fond of reading books. Eight years ago a friend
of mine of the name of Chang came to Ta-ning Hien and
brought with him a Gospel of Mark. I was delighted to read
this book and its wonders. I thought to myself, " I wonder
if there be other books, or is there any society holding
these doctrines." The next year I heard that a foreigner
— Mr. Hill — had come to P'ing-yang, and that he
preached the doctrine of Jesus and gave away books. I
always wanted to see him, but never did. A pupil of
mine brought two books from P'ing-yang ; I read these
two books, and then got to know where the foreigner
lived.
The third year my pupil again returning from P'ing-yang
brought with him a New Testament ; afterwards he gave
it me. I was always reading it; though I didn't thoroughly
understand it. I remember reading " the way was
narrow and the gate strait that led to life," that " few
obtained salvation," and I feared, saying, " Ah, the time is
soon coming, and I am not saved." Two years after I saw
another book, entitled, "The Gate of true Doctrine." The
next year I wanted much to go to P'ing-yang. Some said
Mr. Drake was there, others said he was away. I went
to P'ing-yang, and there I saw Chang Chih-heng and
Mr. Sung ; afterwards I saw Mr. Drake. Mr. Drake
said, " Come and stop here ! '' I accepted his invitation.
I then saw Mr. Hsi and prayed with him. Mr. Drake
gave me twelve or thirteen books ; at that time I fully
trusted Jesus.
Arriving again at my home in Ta-ning they were very
displeased. Gradually, however, others came to hear and
believed too. Mr. Chang, who gave me the first copy of
Mark, hearing my words also believed. In the ninth
month there was a great gathering at P'ing-yang ; I went
to it accompanied by my brother. When I returned
home my only child died — my brother also took ill. I
was much depressed, and the devil tempted me that I
had been deluded. Shortly afterwards my brother died,
but before his death he was always saying, " Thank God !
the Saviour is able to save men."
The next year, second month, inquiry was made
whether I worshipped idols or no. I replied, No ! There-
upon the inspector of instruction had me beaten. He
wants now to take away my degree, but I count it as
nothing. Jesus has a greater glory in store for me than
that. The next month I was baptised. In the eleventh
month I was made an elder. Truly, this salvation is as
it were being alive from the dead. We who trust Jesus
constantly have peace.
The next morning this Mr. Ch'u was ordained pastor
of the Ta-ning and Sih-chau district, and five more
deacons were appointed. This ended the Conference.
On Saturday, August 7th, Mr. Hudson Taylor left P'ing-
yang for Han-chung. The arrangements made were for
Mr. Hudson Taylor to go to K'iih-wu, forty miles south
of P'ing-yang, and there picking up Mr. Beauchamp, Mr.
Herbert Hudson Taylor, and Mr. Studd to proceed west
to Han-chung.
As, however, there were still some matters to be set-
tled with the native pastors, etc., and in going south to
K'iih-wu, Mr. Hsi's village would be very little out of the
way, Mr. Taylor, in response to Mr. Hsi's invitation, spent
Saturday to Monday with him. He went there accom-
panied by Mr. Stevenson, Dr. Edwards (from T'ai-yiien),
and myself. We arrived at 9 p.m., and found a goodly
number — some thirty or forty— assembled at evening
prayers.
The house was nicely prepared for us, the little court
covered with an awning, the main room — his worship-
hall — being faced with these words in large Chinese charac-
ters, " The acceptable year of the Gospel." This worship-
hall was, for the time being, our bedroom.
The next day (Sunday) Air. Ch'ii and I took morning
prayers. Mr. Taylor took the midday service, while in
the evening Mr. Stevenson led another testimony meeting.
Several interesting testimonies were given, amongst
them one by a lady, Mr. Hsi's aunt.
MRS. LIANG.
I want before the pastors and church-members to tell
of God's grace. A short time ago, as I was one day
entering an oil factory, the inside being dark, I fell into a
pit and damaged my leg. After suffering acute pain, and
being unable to move, I sought medical aid, but without
benefit. One day my nephew told me how that his
brother-in-law — Mr. Hsi — trusted in Jesus, and cast out
devils, and was much blessed in healing diseases by faith
in God. I replied, " If you believe in God, you can invite
him." My nephew went to invite Mr. Hsi to come. He
came, laid his hands on me, and prayed to God. The
third day I was healed, and descended from my couch,
able to walk. I then believed in the power of God. Of
course, I at once cast away my idols, and worshipped the
true God. The next year those of my own home and
village greatly persecuted me ; they took my husband, too
(who is a believer), and beat him terribly. My nephew
and I recanted, and for fear of persecution, offered to the
idols. I was immediately smitten with a great illness, and
nearly died. I again had Mr. Hsi invited. On coming,
he warned me, adding, " If in truth you will repent, and
no more worship idols, God is certainly able to forgive,
and your illness will certainly be healed." At that time
I firmly determined, ' If God will once more save my life
— though men should persecute me even to death — I will
not again worship those false gods." From that time I
truly believed in God; with my whole body I want to
serve Him. At present, however, we have to worship in
secret, not daring to do so in public. If we want to do
so in public we have to come to this village. I therefore
ask your most earnest prayers on our behalf.
We were all full of thanksgiving that this lady (^without
the slightest suggestion on the part of foreigners) should
have been led thus to testify for God. Humanly speaking
in China, wherethe etiquette about ladies is so strict, it was
impossible. But this is just an instance of the fact that
neither men, nor devils, nor long-established customs, can
defeat the purposes of God, or bring to nought His Word.
In Ps. lxviii. 11 (R.Y.) it reads, "The Lord giveth the
Word ; the women that publish the tidings are a great
CHINA'S MILLIONS.
11
host." Later on, in the Prophets, is the word which was
quoted at Pentecost, " On My handmaidens will I pour
out My Spirit, and they shall prophesy." From the birth
of Jesus till now, how has God set His seal on these
Scriptures ! The first heralder of the Gospel was a
woman. Of the aged Anna (Luke ii. 38), this short but
sweet and simple testimony is given, "She spake of Him."
The Lord hasten the day when "a great host" of His
handmaidens in this heathen land may have their tongues
loosened for the like hallowed object ! The Lord grant
that the same mighty blessing which has attended
the preaching of women in home lands may be vouch-
safed to their missionary and heathen sisters here ! For
never until their lips are opened can the women of China's
millions be effectually reached, or the mothers of China
cease to be curses to this world in rearing a Christless and
God-dishonouring offspring.
On Monday morning Mr. Hsi led the Communion ser-
vice, and in the late afternoon we started for K'iih-wu,
Mr. Hsi and others accompanying us about three miles.
The next day we got to K'uh-wu, and that same day Mr.
Taylor, with his son, and Mr. Beauchamp, started for the
West, Mr. Studd waiting till the morrow. Their first
stage was by moonlight ; we accompanied them out
some way. A few last words of helpful counsel, a few
last words of mutual love, a few last words in solemn still-
ness, as with hands locked in his, we each received his
parting blessing ; and the visit to Shan-si — so long ex-
pected, so long deferred, but now so blessed in its out-
come, so treasured in our hearts — was over.
What wonder if the thought stole across our minds as
we retraced our steps : " A little while and he may come
again " ! What wonder if we were led up to think of that
more certain return of his Master, or found comfort in the
re-assuring words of Jesus, " It is expedient for you that I
go away " ! Yes ! it is " expedient." The partings, the
separations, the crosses, the disappointments of this world,
are all expedient. They are His appointments, therefore
they are expedient. They are the inlets to deeper and
greater blessings ; they remove from under us the props
of the creature that we may learn to find our heart-rest in
leaning on the Creator ; they bid us " seek another coun-
try, that is an heavenly" ; they bid us look not at the
western hills, behind which, as it were, at Calvary His sun
did set in darkness, but gaze with eager eye on eastern
skies, where even now the night is yielding, and the first
grey streaks of early morn are telling out our glorious
Lord's return ; they lead us on in a natural train of
thought to these personal expressions of His iove : " If I
' go away ' I come again, and will receive you unto My-
self, that where I am, there ye may be also."
A last word —
Jesus is surely coming ; but " till He come " let us of
English tongue go forth ! — go forth at His command into
the world's great harvest-field.
Thrice, thrice are we the debtors of the heathen world.
Debtors — for we possess what they have not.
Debtors — for we have kept back for centuries what
should have been given them with generous hand.
Debtors — for instead of a loaf we have given a stone,
instead of a fish a serpent !
This weary world cries out for rest — rest which, though
it knows not, can alone be found upon the bosom of God.
Its cry is well-nigh unheeded by the majority.
This wretched world exclaims for peace — peace which,
though it knows not, can only be found through the blood
of Christ.
Lo ! we poison them with spirit ; we drug them with
opium.
Christians ! let us arise and shake off from us the dust
of inactivity. Let us to Calvary's hill. Behold He dies !
Shall we pass by with heart not wholly won, with life
not. fully yielded, a grace so special and a love so true ?
No ! It must not — cannot be !
His love, His dying love, shall constrain us ; it shall
put devotion into our lives ; shall stamp upon our hearts
the "All for Jesus" cry; it shall awake us trumpet-
tongued from the grave of sloth, to the risen life of glad-
some service.
Christians ! hark we to His word :
"All power is given unto Me in heaven and in earth."
Christians ! look we upon the open field ! Africa,
South America, India, China, the ocean isles which " God
so loved ; " for which Christ died.
And then— the marching orders — His last command
that knows no compromise :
" Go ye ! and make disciples of ALL nations."
Who will miss the privilege of obedience?
%ikx % €fmfaxmt&.
FROM MR. STANLEY SMITH.
SIH-CHAU, September \st.-~ Mr. Stevenson and I
started with Mr. Hsi on the 23rd of August, in-
tending to take the following route. From Hung-
t'ung to Ta-ning, thence to Sang-ngoh, and then on to
Hsiao-i by way of Sih-chan ; at Hsiao-i Mr. Stevenson
to leave us and go north to T'ai-yuen, en route for
Shanghai, and Mr. Hsi and myself to return to Hung-
t'ung by way of Hoh-chan and Chao-ch'eng, then on for
a short visit to Yoh-yang and back.
In these three last places, Hoh-chan, Chao-ch'eng, and
Yoh-Yang (all in my parish), there are believers and
opium-refuges. Leaving Hung-t'ung on the 23rd we came
in three days to Ta-ning Hien ; the country between
these two places is of high altitude, the oak-tree being
met with, and grass, oats, and potatoes much grown ; we
were much reminded of England in seeing cattle and
sheep in this pasture land.
A good part of the way was through a wild mountain
pass, the rocks beingvery bold and grand, and the stream
of a mountain torrent adding much to its beauty. Ta-
ning Hien is a very small place surrounded by high hills,
but though so " little " it is, it would seem, destined as
Bethlehem, to be an important centre in God's work. The
house is of a comfortable size, and most admirably
adapted for mission work.
Mr. Cassels was in this place for four months, and in
that short time, with God's blessing, he had not only been
instrumental in leading souls to Christ, but of endearing
himself very deeply in the hearts of the people — both
Christians and heathen. One young man, who was
baptised during our visit, himself brought to the Lord by
means of Mr. Cassels, told me how when Mr. Cassels
went away they all wept.
The second day at Ta-ning, some of us went out on the
street, for there is only one worth the name in this very
small country-town, while Mr. Stevenson examined the
enquirers. It was delightful to hear Mr. Hsi and
Mr. Ch'ii, both scholars, preaching in the streets, and so
evidently with the joy and reality of the gospel in their
hearts, and that, too (in Mr. Ch'ii's case), in the very town
12
CHINA'S MILLIONS.
where not long ago he had been beaten for not worshipping
idols.
The next day, Saturday, we started, including Mr. Ch'ii,
Mr. Chang, the native elder, and some other Church
members, for Mr. Ch'ii's house, distant some forty li. It
had poured in torrents in the night, and as this whole
district is composed of precipitous hills, which drain very
quickly, the river, along which was the " path " to Mr.
Ch'ii's village, was swollen into a roaring cataract, racing
down to the equally intractable Yellow River, which last
is distant only ten miles from Sang-ngoh. This made the
journey a little longer, and in two places we had to wade,
not indeed through the main current, but through some
side slack water. In this we were very much more for-
tunate than the day before reaching Ta-ning ; on that
day we had to cross the river thirty times, those who were
not on beasts wading, the river being low.
We arrived at Mr. Ch'ii's house in the village of Sang-
ngoh about three o'clock in the afternoon. The first
thing that struck the eye as one entered the gate, was a
memorial tablet given to his grandfather by grateful
patients as a tribute to his medical skill. Entering the
courtyard, which is about fifteen yards square, one is
struck by the regular, stone-faced "caves"; they are on
three sides of the square, the fourth side being a wall, and
are ten in number, in shape like a small railway tunnel,
and go back some twenty feet or more into the soil. We
soon gathered with some of the church members and had
prayer and praise. Food was then served. Afterwards
the greater part went down towards the river's side to see
if there were a suitable place for baptism. A most ad-
mirable baptistry was soon found, deep enough for our
purposes, and in the evening all returned, looking forward
to an outpouring of the Spirit of God on the morrow.
That evening we had an address by Mr. Hsi, after
which there was a public examination of the baptismal
candidates by Mr. Stevenson, which continued till past
midnight. I have already mentioned the state of the
river ; Mr. Ch'ii's house is close to it ; there are converts
in villages on both sides scattered along the valley. As
some could not come, owing to the river, on Saturday,
some church members were sent off early on Sunday
morning to bring them on donkeys.
The first service was taken by Mr. Hsi and Mr. Key.
After a little interval Mr. Stevenson gave an admirable
address on, " Confession with the mouth," and during
that address, not only with his mouth, but with face full
of the joy of the Lord, he bore witness to Jesus. The
address over, Mr. Stevenson further examined the
candidates ; their examination was no light test of
sincerity. In view of the persecution which has been
in this district, they were well forewarned before taking
the step of baptism, and many in answer to the question
replied they would sooner part with life, if need be, than
Jesus. We then had a meeting of Church officers and
members to approve of the selected candidates ; they
were all, to the number of nineteen, held to be fit for
baptism— twelve of them being men, the rest women.
Dinner being over, the male candidates walked down in
a procession, singing hymns, amongst which were the
well-known, " Jesus loves me," and " When he cometh."
The baptismal service was interspersed with plenty of
singing, and two short addresses by Mr. Hsi. Although
the village of Sang-ngoh is small, only consisting of
twenty families, there were very nearly one hundred
onlookers. Most reverent were they too, nor was there
the slightest interruption. Very impressive and deeply
blessed it was to make those hills resound with praises to
the one true God, our heavenly Father, and then to see
those nineteen publicly profess their faith in Jesus, His
only begotten Son, in the rite of baptism. They were
baptised by Mr. Stevenson.
The service at the river-side over,we all returned to Mr.
Ch'ii's, where we had a further meeting, which I took. In
the evening we had the Lord's supper, led by the two native
pastors, Mr. Hsi and Mr. Ch'ii, after which the meeting
was protracted till past 1 1 p.m. Mr. Ch'ii's address was
very much to the point, urging us all, especially those
newly baptised, never to forget Christ crucified. Thus
ended a most happy Sabbath. On the Monday morning
Mr. Hsi spoke most helpfully on John xiii., showing us
that the Lord washing His disciples' feet must be the
spirit that must always energise us if we would win souls
to Christ and serve God. Mr. Stevenson then shortly
exhorted the new Church members, and commended them
to God in prayer.
Our stay at Mr. Ch'ii's, though so short, was delightjid.
There was such an absence cf formality, such natural
friendliness, one felt quite the home-feeling that should
always be present when Christians meet. There were
plenty of little children, too, romping about between
times, blind man's buff being attempted once with them,
to the amusement of young and old. Mr. Ch'ii was most
lavish in his hospitality ; nothing seemed too good for
us, no trouble too great. Knowing we English were meat-
eaters, nothing would do but to have a young goat brought
in and killed for us — killed in the court-yard, as of old in
England. It was quite hard to leave them. Mr. Ch'ii's
mother, on being reminded of steadfastness, said at once,
• " No, my love for Jesus shall never change." This old
lady (amongst those who received baptism) has a beauti-
ful face, beaming with the peace and joy that is within
Mr. Ch'ii's wife, alas ! does not yet believe ; she cannot
get over her husband suffering persecution. Please pray
for her.
On the return to Ta-ning, Mr. Stevenson paid a visit
to a little village where Mr. Cassels had stayed for a short
time. He found there several enquirers, and was deeply
touched, at a small service he held, on hearing these
simple folk, including men, women, and children, joining
in the Lord's prayer. Yesterday, coming here, we were
caught in the rain, so we stopped here for one day ; in
the afternoon it cleared up, and Mr. Hsi, Mr. Ch'ii, and
myself went out on the main street, and had a single file
procession, singing " Jesus loves me." This drew a
gathering of about fifty, we all three then spoke in turn,
the people listening most attentively. We came home
praising the Lord for his goodness.
f)0j)c for % Jfuturt.
A LETTER FROM MR. J. W. STEVENSON.
WE are greatly encouraged out here, and are
definitely asking and receiving by faith
definite blessings for this hungry and thirsty land.
We are fully expecting at least ioo fresh labourers
to arrive in China in 1887. I am happy to think
that God is very likely to rebuke our small faith
by sending a great many more than the number stated
above, " according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus."
The field is opening up most wonderfully, and prayer is
being answered for this land. 15ut before the overwhelm-
CHINA'S MILLIONS.
!3
ing flood of blessing that is coming there must be more
prayer and more living sacrifices, holy and consecrated,
offered.
My visit to Shan-si has been most delightful, and I
am sorry to leave for several reasons. I have met the
most of the native Christians in the south of the province.
They are warm-hearted and zealous disciples, and some
of them are very prayerful. I have learned many a lesson
of simple trust and faith from them. They are marked
by a strong faith in the power of prayer, and no wonder,
for they get so many proofs of God's faithfulness in
answering that it would be a thankless and useless task
to try to explain away the direct help they get from God
in answer to prayer ; some of themfizst regularly as well
as pray. Up to date, 101 persons have been baptised
upon profession of their faith this year in the P'ing-yang
district, and I know and have had conversations with
others to the number of about 50, who I hope will be
baptised shortly. I am not including a great many who
have not decided for Christ, though attending services
more or less regularly. I had a conference at Chao-ch'eng
Hien (one of the district cities in Mr. Stanley Smith's
large parish), to which 53 professing Christians came ;
all stood up to signify that they had decided to follow
Christ ; many told the story of their conversion and
details connected with persecutions manfully borne for
Christ's sake. Yet out of the 53 only 17 are yet baptised.
Surely a few facts like these will encourage you to go on
praying and working.
Then another pleasing fact is, that the converts are from
wide extent of country and scattered over a good many
districts. Praise God for these lights placed in so many
dark places. There is one thing that has pained me, and
that is, that so little — almost nothing — is being done for
the women in Southern Shan-si. There is work among
them notwithstanding, I baptised seven three weeks ago,
and six a week later in another district. I am longing to
see, and I am praying hard for it, Mildmay establish-
ments of consecrated and whole-hearted ladies in every
province ; we could do with two or three in each province.
The great desideratum is competent and fully-conse-
crated ladies to lead and head such establishments.
They can also be found. Praise the Lord ! The
influence of such lives among the women of China
would be great, and would soon tell in large ingatherings
of souls into the kingdom of God. The soul and centre
of society being thus touched by divine power and grace,
the whole fabric of heathen society would soon show the
mighty influence of womanhood wholly consecrated to
Christ. I wish you would pray for this, and when you
get among ladies ask them to pray and think about it.
The Lord hasten the multitude of women to publish the
glad tidings of His love in China.
Mr. Stanley Smith wrote you of our visit to Ta-ning
and Sih-chau, and I want to tell you a little of what
happened after we left Sih-chau. After three days
travelling we reached the village of Tao-hsiang after dark ;
we had a long climb to get to that mountain village, and
were specially delighted with the warm welcome given us.
We were put up in a cave and received every attention
from the hospitable villagers. We were rather a large
party, i.e., Mr. Stanley Smith, Mr. Key, Mr. Hsi, Mr.
Ch'ii, a servant, and myself, but we got packed away com-
fortably in the cave. There were two Christian tracts on
the wall, which indicated that something was known of
the true God, even here.
The following day (Sunday, September 5th) the
enquirers came in from several villages, and the cave was
crowded in every part at the services we held. During
the day we held a special examination of the candidates
for baptism. It would have rejoiced your heart to hear
some of the answers by the women, and men as well ; when
it was clearly pointed out that their profession would in-
volve them in persecution, and even death might be the
outcome, and it was put to them whether in the face of
these things they would still continue to be Christians —
they eagerly said, " rather let life go than Christ." It was
glorious to hear such testimony from those so recently
without the least knowledge of the Gospel. After careful
examination ten persons were accepted for baptism and
were accordingly baptised during the day. Of this number
six were women and four men. In the evening the two
native pastors (Hsi and Ch'ii) conducted a most impressive
communion service, and thus a church was organised.
You may ask how the people of this out-of-the-
way village heard the Gospel and got interested. It
appears that Mr. Ch'ii, the native pastor at Ta-ning had
been visiting some relations near by, a good while ago,
and embraced the opportunity of telling them of his
newly-found Saviour and of his joy in the Lord. The
people listened with interest and begged for further in-
struction ; this was given to a limited extent, and the
interest increased. A Mr. Li, who is now Mr. Stanley
Smith's teacher, visited this village and helped the
enquirers a good deal, and later Mr. Cassels left Mr.
Chang, an elder at Ta-ning, to help to teach them the
way of the Lord more fully. God blessed the efforts of
His humble servant, and the foundation of a blessed work,
we trust, has been laid, which will grow and extend all
over that hill-country. The station is in the Hsiao-i-
Hien, and three days from T'ai-yuen, and the same from
Sih-chau.
I am staying here for a few days and hope next week
to leave for the coast. I am convinced God is about to do
very great things for us, and that floods of blessing will
descend upon this dry and thirsty land. I am expecting
that we shall hear of good tidings from home soon in
revived life and increased consecration of life and sub-
stance to the salvation of the heathen.
Cxtrmp farm Sattotr Wioxhxn,
From Mr. Williamson.
Fung-htva, August 12tk.
We baptised one man and two women on the nth of July ;
the man is elderly, and is the husband of one of our members.
One of the women resides at Do-gyiao, and had been an enquirer
for a considerable time, but the opposition of her family had
kept her back. Since she became decided her family have shown
less opposition, and she now brings an elderly woman along with
her. The other woman is also elderly and almost blind ; she
came from Teo-meng-deo, where we have several members. She
had heard the gospel frequently, but a short time ago, when she
was alone in her house, her daughter-in-law being out, and her
sons at work in the fields, some stacks of straw near the end of
her house took fire. Her neighbours each ran to take care of their
own property, and the poor woman, nearly blind, had no one to
help her, but she called on the Lord and He helped her, for
her house, though most exposed to danger from the burning
straw, escaped injury. Her sons, on returning from the fields,
and hearing what had taken place, proposed to go and give a
thank-offering to the idols, but their mother said, " No, I prayed
14
CHINA'S MILLIONS.
to the true God. He heard and helped me, and I will have no
more to do with idols." There are four hopeful enquirers at
T'ien-t'ai and one at Ning-hai.
From Mr. J. A. Heal.
Shao-hing, July qth.
This has been one of my happiest Sundays in China, In the
morning Mr. Meadows preached from the word " Come." In
the afternoon two of the school-girls were baptised. The Misses
Carpenter bear testimony to their change of heart and life ; the
girls were greatly rejoiced when they were told that they might
be baptised. The simple service was beautiful, because of its
simplicity. We all partook of the communion, thus in fellow-
ship with these young disciples, showing foith the Lord's death
till He come. One's heartfelt prayer for these two is that they
may be kept steadfast through the temptations that they will
assuredly have to meet. This is the first baptism that I have
witnessed in China. Please God it will not be the last.
From Miss Oliver.
Wun-chau, July l$th.
We had some good services on the first Sunday in the month.
Five were baptised, and there were such a nice number at the
Lord's table.
From Dr. Stewart.
Kin-hvia.
I commence my diary with August 1st, and the first report is
the baptism of seven converts. Hallelujah !
ftiang-
From Miss Davis.
Yang-chau, Sept. i$t/i.
We had the great joy of seeing two dear native brothers bap-
tised on Monday afternoon in our chapel. One of them was a
cripple, and never shall I forget his beaming face. The chapel
was crowded, and I trust many went away impressed by what
they had seen and heard. There are two young builders, can-
didates for baptism, who come here every evening regularly to
join us at prayers. It is so encouraging to see their thirst after
the Word, and their faces, too, speaking of Jesus within.
From Mr. Cooper.
Gan-k'ing, Atig 31st.
The Lord is blessing us, and great numbers of people seem inter-
ested in the truth. A fortnight ago I baptized eight here, and there
are some seventeen other candidates for whom I hold catechumen
classes twice weekly. The devil is raging and doing his best to
overthrow the work, but we are more than conquerors through
Him who loves us ; wave after wave of trouble has been break-
ing over us, but God is our refuge and strength, a very present
help in trouble.
gm-pjr frobma.
From Mr. Geo. King.
Fan-ch'eng, Sept list.
We have had twenty-five baptisms as yet this year, making the
membership thirty, now. Mrs. King and Miss Emily Black
have classes, some in the country and some in the town, and
these have been fruitful in converts.
|lan-sulj j)rrj intra-
From Miss Marston.
Ts'tn-e/iau.
I got such a splendid promise about this place the other day,
Joshua xvii. 18, " The mountain shall be thine ; for though it is
a forest, thou shalt cut it down, and the goings out thereof
shall be thine : for thou shalt drive out the Caiiaanites, though
they be strong." Billy Bray had his hill and now I have
my " mountain." "All things are possible to him that be-
lieveth."
From Mr. Burnett.
Ts'in-chau.
Last week the annual theatrical performance was coming on,
and the desire to make good use of the Gospel net was laid upon
our hearts. The visitors had never been received before for want
of room, but as the house on the street was empty, we thought
we would invite them to it. Accordingly we prepared tea and
cakes, and a large room was opened for men, while the garden
and another room inside were set apart for women and children.
I entertained a goodly number of men during the three days,
and had fine opportunities of preaching the Gospel ; the women
and children also attended well, and I believe all went away
feeling very contented, and more warmly disposed towards us.
If there is a place opened where people can go and receive a
little hospitality after coming a good distance from the country,
I believe it will go a considerable way in commending the
doctrines we inculcate, and will have the effect of gaining for
us an attentive audience when we visit them in their village
homes.
Sljan-si Igwbinee.
From Mr. T. H. King.
Kwei-hwa-cK'eng, June l^t/i.
Yesterday, in company with a lama priest, we visited a large
temple here. The splendour of the place almost baffles descrip-
tion. I have never seen anything at home or in China to com-
pare with it. Some of the stones used are very large, and the
carving and painting very grand. Idolatry among the Mongols
will, I fear, die hard, but Christ shall have the heathen for His
inheritance. When we look at the difficulties of missionary
labour, we must not forget that our Father is Almighty.
en-si ||robtncc.
From Miss Annie Taylor.
En route for Han-chung.
At Ts'i-yang Hien a number of women came to see us ; one of
them, a teacher's, wife, invited us to go to her house, which we did
after dark. A little girl belonging to a boat going up the river
with us lived in the same house ; one day she said to Miss
Barclay, " My people do not know about Jesus, there
is no one to tell them, but if they did I am sure they would
worship Him too." The house was just outside the city gate ;
we soon had the room in which we sat full of girls and women,
who listened most attentively, our little boat friend, who is
only eleven years old, explaining what they did not understand.
She told us that she loved Jesus and prayed to Him. She said
to the women, "They have told me, I tell you, and you must
tell others." They begged us to stay with them that they might
hear more, but we were obliged to go. We do pray that some
one may soon be sent there with the bread of life.
At a little village near which our boat stopped for the night,
as I was walking on the bank a woman came up, and, after talk-
ing some time, asked me to pay a visit to her home ; so Miss
Barclay and I went. The house was on the main street ; she
took us into an inner room, and crowds of women and girls soon
flocked in to see us. What was our joy when we found that
they had already heard something of the Gospel from Miss Wilson
and Miss P'ausset. They enjoyed so much the story of the raising of
the widow's son, and when Miss Barclay told them about Jesus
dying on the cross, they seemed filled with wonder that He
should thus die for them. Many of them escorted us back to the
boat, saying, " Jesus loves us " over and over again to themselves ;
they too wanted us to stop.
I was interested in hearing that there was a nun living alone
in a temple on a hill near, who came from the north, and when
she first arrived could not understand their words, so after all
they cannot think it so very strange when we come and live
amongst them to teach them about Jesus.
Departure for (China.
Miss Kerr left to return to China by P. and O. steamer on
Dec. 2nd.
China's Millions.
A WAR-JUNK.
gifahrc ^mmm anb <&tibtxnmmt— 2.
" The sea saw it and fled ; \
Jordan was driven back. \
The mountains shipped like rams,
The little hills like lambs."— Vs. cxiv. 3, 4.
UDAH, as we have seen in the previous paper, sadly failed to apprehend
God's presence in their midst, and Israel proved both faithless and in-
subordinate. But all this did not annul the fact that Israel had a King,
and that that King was a mighty One. Strange that man alone should
resist his Maker ; and that the people of God should, at times, be the only
ones unconscious of the presence and saving power of their Deliverer !
But blessed is the truth that His presence is not dependent upon our
apprehension of it, nor His power to save necessarily limited by our want
of faith.
" The sea saw it and fled ;
Jordan was driven back."
But if this was the case, despite the sin and failure of the people, what would have been
the blessing had faith been in lively exercise, and their souls been yielded in hearty sub-
mission ! Blessed, oh, blessed indeed, is he who gives up His whole being to His Saviour
and His God, for His indwelling and His governance.
Apart from this indwelling and governance how truly helpless we are, and how ofttimes
hopeless we become ! The believer who undertakes the management of his own soul,
unless he deceive himself, will ofttimes cry out, like the apostle under the same circum-
stances, " O wretched man that I am, who shall deliver me out of the body of this death ? "
FEBRUARY, 1 887.
1 6 CHINA'S MILLIONS.
It matters not how sincere the believer may be : if it be at ■ all a question of " I myself,"
while the mind may serve the law of God, the flesh will serve the law of sin. But how
changed all this becomes when it is no longer "I," but "Christ," who "liveth in me"!
Then, we do not cry to be delivered oat of the body of this death, but the life that we live — though still
in the flesh — we live in the faith (faithfulness) of the Son of God, who loved us, and gave Himself for
us. We find and prove that the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has delivered us from all
bondage to the law of sin and death, and are consciously free to yield ourselves, if we will, unto God
as alive from the dead.
We shall not find this new life a life without conflict. The world still remains the world : the
flesh still remains the flesh : the devil still remains the devil. Escaped from Egypt, Egypt (that is,
the world, worldliness) will pursue us ; but whereas the Red Sea would prove an insuperable barrier
to the carnal mind, if Christ be indwelling, the sea sees it and flees, and we begin to find that there
is no hindrance in the presence of our Master and King. The proud waves of the sea, the swellings of
Jordan overflowing its banks in time of harvest, own the presence of Him, who when on earth calmed
the fears of the fishermen on the Sea of Galilee, and said "Peace, be still !" to the raging waves.
Mountains of difficulties skip out of the way like rams ; and the more numerous little hills in His
presence become harmless as lambs.
" Frail children of dust, and feeble as frail,
In Him do we trust, nor find Him to fail.
His mercies how tender, how firm to the end,
Our Maker, Defender, Redeemer and Friend ! "
And is it not just when well assured of this indwelling presence, and conscious that there is no
mutiny within — that all is yielded up to, and thoroughly taken in hand by our Lord and Master — is
it not then that we truly begin to count it all joy when we fall into divers temptations, begin to
realize that for us all things do really work together for good, and begin to sing, before the battle, the
song of praise in anticipation of the rich spoils of which we are assured ? The intelligent believer
zvoitld not lose the conflicts ; for apart from them, where would be the palm, the crown of victory ?
His earthly crosses and earthly losses lead to such rich CHRiST-winnings, that he ofttimes realizes
that even now the pain is not worthy to be compared to the gain ; and he knows that the pain is but
short-lived, while the gain is eternal. Under the leading of the victorious Joshua, Amalek (the flesh)
becomes a worsted foe ; and the promise is secure that its remembrance shall, ere long, be blotted out
for ever. " And the God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly," is another of the
cheering words by which the heart of the believer is strengthened, while enduring hardness as a good
soldier of Jesus Christ.
In the history of the bringing out of Israel from Egypt, and 01 their bringing in to the promised
land, as detailed in the Pentateuch and in Joshua, the principal instruments used by God are brought
very frequently before us. Moses, Aaron, Joshua are prominent there. But they find no place in this
psalm. We are brought directly into the presence of God, and human agency disappears. Nor is this
all. We find no mention of the wilderness — it disappears with the faithless generation who were
buried in it. Why is this ? Because in the life of faith there is no wilderness. The sea — the
boundary on this side — sees our Master and flees ; Jordan — the boundary on that side — in His
presence is driven back. The wilderness is for unbelievers, who will not enter into rest, and for
hankerers after the flesh-pots of Egypt, who prefer the indulgence of their own appetite to the glorious
freedom of the children of God. Not a little misleading are some of our popular hymns, which com-
pare Jordan with death, and Canaan with heaven. What ! after .we get to heaven, shall we need the
pains of circumcision, and have to fight every step of our way, slaughtering the inhabitants there who
have filled up the measure of their iniquity, ere we can enter into the prepared mansions ? No ! Ten
thousand times, No ! The Canaan rest is to be enjoyed now ; and, under our victorious Joshua, each
battle should result in victory, and every foe should be dispossessed and put down. " The sea saw it
and fled : Jordan was driven back." And at His command the sun still stands still, and the moon
goes not down. The elements of nature war with His foes and ours, and we know, in all our hearts
and in all our souls, " that not one thing hath failed of all the good things which the Lord our God
spake concerning " us. We have advisedly said each battle should result in victory ; for, if Achan rob
God, defeat will follow disobedience ; and if, instead of putting down the Canaanites, we begin to make
truces with them, we shall end by being driven out of the good land ourselves — another proof, we
need scarcely say, that the Canaan rest is a type of the rest of faith to be enjoyed down here — a rest
which may be lost, and not, therefore, the heavenly rest that still remains.
CHINA'S MILLIONS.
i7
And this brings us to two very practical questions, with which we will close this paper.
(1) Where are we ? In bondage ? or in wilderness-restlessness ? or in the restful land of corn and
wine and oil-olive ? And (2), if in the land, are our victories hindered and defeats engendered by any
spoil of Jericho hidden in our tents, or by any compromise with the foes of the God of Israel — the old
Canaanitish inhabitants ? These are questions each one will do well to answer for himself before God,
for " if we judge ourselves we shall not be judged.
j^
tctriml Ujftastou W&axh hx gmt-rjnwg.
FROM DR. WILSON.
TI/^E have all very much valued Mr. Stevenson's visit
VV here. Coming so recently from England, where
he has been so rejoicing in the growth of the missionary
spirit, it was like a voice from the old country to hear him
tell us much to call forth our praise for what the Lord
has done, and to stimulate our faith to expect the Lord to
do great things yet for us and for China.
I was much encouraged by Mr. Stevenson's repeatedly-
expressed sympathy in, and approval of, the medical
missionary work here. The work is steadily increasing
and gaining favour among the people ; and though, as in
any newly-opened medical work in the interior, we have
to be content with a small role of surgical cases, yet even
these are increasing. I have always wished that the
medical work here might be kept in a healthy relation-
ship to the evangelistic — that the latter should always
maintain the first place — and I have consequently been
glad that in our early years it has not suddenly assumed
such overpowering proportions as to make it difficult to
find time for preaching and for study.
Mr. Stevenson made me promise to send a diary of the
main items during the next ten days or fortnight, as
affording a fair picture to those interested in China of the
average nature of the work in a medical mission hospital
in the far interior of China, more than 1,000 miles away
from any other European doctor. The suggestion was
made on May 23rd, so the diary shall commence with
May 24th.
May 24//1, Monday. — Dispensary closed in consequence
of the Quarterly Native Church Conference, this time to
be held in the village station, distant six miles. The
Church assembled in full force, and a very happy, profit-
able time we had. The subject, chosen several weeks
before, was, " The Differences between the Christian and
Others "— a very practical subject, and one in which the
natives could easily take part. The speakers were seven
in all, of whom three were foreign and four native.
May 251/1, Tuesday. — Before morning prayers were
over, some men arrived from the military Yamen, bring-
ing a captain (over ten men), who was suffering, and had
been for ten days in great pain from acute inflammation of
the lower jaw. This, on inquiry, as is so often the case
in China, proved to be the result of the treatment he had
undergone at the hands of the native doctors — originally
merely suffering from a decayed tooth, which forceps
would have immediately removed, but which was beyond
their skill. The treatment he had been subjected to
consisted in forcibly thrusting a needle into the jaw.
This failing, more severe measures were had recourse to,
which simply resulted in setting up acute inflammation
of the bone, with all its attendant suffering and danger.
His mouth was firmly closed, and he could not open his
jaws in the least. We took him into a private ward, with
a servant man he had brought with him, and at once
adopted a more rational line of treatment, which even-
tually resulted in entire recovery.
Same day was called to see a man very dangerously
wounded. This case I may mention in detail as con-
veying some idea of idolatrous and superstitious practices
among the Chinese. The patient, a man about forty,
lives in the street close to the ladies' house. He has
one little girl who attends their school, and two wives
who would like to attend the women's class, but he will
not let them. He has three or four silk looms and seve-
ral workmen. The previous day he had stabbed himself
in three places, the only explanation being that the house
was said to be haunted by a devil, and at night he could
hear it moaning. Upon the night in question he heard it
more than ever. This made him so miserable, that in a
fit of desperation he seized a great knife and stabbed
himself. In one place he had penetrated the abdominal
wall and exposed the bowels.
The next thing was to hire a necromancer to come,
who by means of writing certain cabalistic characters on
strips of yellow paper is supposed to be able to ward off
the approach of evil. Of these papers some are posted
up over the lintels of the door, others are pinned on to the
bed, and yet another folded up very small and pinned to
his clothes. But this necromancer did not stop here, but
proceeded in his own crude way to treat the wound by
stitching it partially up, not with silk thread but with the
delicate fibres of the mulberry-tree roots, which are sup-
posed to have anti-febrile virtues. This, however, he
accomplished so badly, that on the patient coughing the
wound gaped and the bowels protruded. He then, to
make bad worse, proceeded to leave matters in statu quo,
and merely covered it all up with one of the universal
black plasters of the appearance and consistency of tar
spread on paper.
They next sent for me at the patient's special request,
and of course the first thing was to seek to undo all the
mischief of bad treatment, removing — no easy matter —
every vestige of the plaster, washing all with carbolic,
replacing the protruded contents, and stitching up the
wound with carbolised silk.
Much prayer was made that he might recover and that
it might be the beginning of better days for the whole
family. The Lord graciously answered prayer, and the
case went on to complete recovery. When he was well
enough to listen God gave us the opportunity of speaking
very plainly about the futility of all idolatrous prac-
tices, that life and death are alone in God's hands, and
that it was His mercy alone that permitted him to come
back as it wwe from the very brink of the grave, and
afforded him time to turn from idols to serve the living
and true God, and to seek pardon and peace in Christ.
iS
CHINA'S MILLIONS.
Same day, — Very rare medical case — Splenic Leuco-
cytha;mia, in a girl about seventeen. She was brought
to the hospital by a very superior native doctor, who is
a Catholic and is very often here, especially when there
is any surgical operation. He is thoroughly convinced of
the superiority of western medicine and surgery, and his
great ambition is to go to England ; in fact, he got as far
as Lao-ho-k'eo once, when Chinese and French troubles
made it seem wiser not to proceed.
I was able to explain to him the nature ot the disease,
show the enormous spleen, and the impoverishment of
blood evidenced by the breathlessness and pallor, and
then showed him under the microscope a minute drop of
her blood and contrasted it with healthy blood, showing
the enormous increase of white blood corpuscles and
diminution of red ones. Took her into the hospital, in-
tending to keep her a month at least and see what can
be done.
May 26th, Wednesday. — Old man about sixty, with
rapidly-growing fibrous tumour on the shoulder. Took
him in intending to operate in a few days, when Mr.
Pearse is at liberty to render assistance.
May 27th, Thursday.— Out-patients about 30. Spent
most of the morning preaching to them in the waiting-
room, while my native assistant attended to their diseases.
May 2%th and 2gt/i, Friday and Saturday. — Nothing
very special. — Good number of out-patients, most from
the country, some from ten, twenty, and thirty miles.
Good times speaking to them of God and His Christ.
May 31st, Monday. — Wet all day, so no out-patients.
Spent most of day making large maps of Palestine and
Paul's travels, a pair each for the two chapels, and a pair
for the girls' school.
June 1st, Tuesday. — Great concourse of many thou-
sands at the largest temple in the centre of the city. On
such occasions some go to worship, many to trade by
setting up little stalls everywhere, selling candles, incense,
paper money, or provisions. The majority merely go
to see the sight, and spend a holiday. We took advantage
of the occasion, and pitched our little preaching tent in
the temple courtyard. It is not a tent such as you at home
might picture, but merely an umbrella of blue calico
10 ft. square. I had it made here a few weeks ago, after
the pattern used by the itinerating fortune-tellers. Mr.
Pearse and I had good audiences, first using the tent, and
then casually walking about selling tracts and books, and
getting into conversation with little groups. On reaching
home found a messenger waiting to take me to see a man
whose foot had just been crushed from the fall of a large
stone. Probably two toes will have to be removed.
June 2nd, Wednesday. — A literal)- man presented him-
self at the dispensary with a disease requiring surgical
operation. He had come on the recommendation of
another literary man, whom we had in the hospital about
nine months ago, and who, by means of a momentary
operation, and a subsequent stay of three weeks in the
hospital, was cured of a troublesome disease from which
he had suffered many years, and over which he had in-
effectually spent a large sum of money in doctors' fee-.
Advised my visitor to stay here, which he promises to do
as soon as the business that brought him to Han-chung is
accomplished.
June yd, Thursday. — Two operations. One a teacher
who for ten years has had a small subcutaneous nervous
tumour on the leg, which ordinarily does not hurt but two
or three times every day, pains excruciatingly, gradually
rising to a climax, and then gradually subsiding. Did
not require to give chloroform, but the local anaesthetic
effect of the ether spray was all sufficient to make the
parts insensible to the touch of the knife. Second case,
the man who entered the hospital May 26th, with two
fibrous tumours. . Removed one, and purpose letting him
stay in a month and get thoroughly strong before doing
the second.
Immediately afier this, Mr. Polhill-Turner came for
medicine to save a man who had swallowed opium. I had
not weighed out the medicine when another man came to
say that one of the servants at the brethren's house had
likewise taken opium. We went at once, and by means
of emetics, and the use of the stomach-pump, he was
soon past all danger.
June 4//1, Friday. — While in the city visiting the man
mentioned, May 25th, a chair was sent from the Military
Ya-men, with request to go at once and see a man who
had suddenly fallen down senseless, and they did not
know whether dead or not. On returning went to see the
man, who was, however, dead— evidently a case of cerebral
apoplexy.
June $t//, Saturday. — Received a very handsome present
— a silk watch-pocket and girdle, from a respectable young
man, who came himself with the present. A few days
previously he had swallowed opium, and we were sent
for. It must be understood, in speaking about these
opium cases, it is never accidentally swallowed, but
always deliberately, with the intent to commit suicide ;
they hold life so very cheap that a quarrel in the family
is often enough to make a man or woman at once take
opium that their spirits may injure the person who has
vexed them.
June -Hi, Monday. — Man with crushed foot, mentioned
June 1st, brought into the hospital, as it would be so
much easier to attend to him. His friend brought 1,000
cash, which will cover his food for about three weeks.
Removed two toes.
This just completes the picture of two weeks, so I
will not continue the story, except to say tha f , in addition
to the cases mentioned, we have had every day an
average of thirty patients, sometimes above fifty, and
that the whole morning is taken up in seeing them one
by one. While they are waiting their turn they are
sitting in the waiting-room, which is made bright with
Scripture texts, etc., and either Mr. Pearse or myself are in
this room every morning talking to them about the
Gospel. So either by regular preaching or by conversa-
tion one tries to bring home to their hearts and minds the
futility of idolatry, the utter darkness that apart from God's
word we are in as to the future, eternity, forgiveness, and
then to tell them of the one true God, and of Christ.
Sometimes we have very attentive listeners, who follow
with real interest, ask intelligent questions, and are
glad to take a tract home with them. On the other
hand, often we find it very difficult to get them to pay any
serious attention, and we have always to be prepared for
even the most attentive listeners to suddenly break in
upon us with some utterly irrelevant remark, as to whether
we wear tails in our country, or as to how much lead-
pencils cost each.
I have made a large map of the world, and find it
an unfailing method of first of all gaining their attention
by showing the distance between our two countries, and
then asking if they know why we have come to their
country. The vast majority do not know why we come,
so we tell them the great difference between us and them
as to worshipping idols and worshipping the true God.
They are generally ready enough to acquiesce in
anything we say as to the futility of idolatry, and yet,
nevertheless, they persist in it. What one longs to bring
home with the Spirit's power is the side of
truth about the eternal, living, loving God in heaven,
and His power, goodness, and mercy in making a way
through Christ for pardon and peace now and eternal
happiness hereafter.
CHINA'S MILLIONS.
*9
We rejoice to know from God's word that <! our labour
is not in vain in the Lord," and are also very thankful
that He has given us to see some fruit, in that there are
several in the church now, and others who are candidates,
who received their first knowledge of God through com-
ing here for relief of bodily disease.
Hundreds have come from long distances and have
returned with tracts or portions of Scripture to their
homes, where the seed may yet be watered by the Holy
Ghost, and quickened into life to bring forth fruit in after-
days. I can only say that I have often praised God for
bringingme to China, and every month I am increasingly
thankful for the hospital, and the constant intercourse it
gives one with the people, in the audiences which one has
ready to hand every day, all the more disposed to listen
to the message, because of having received tangible
benefit already.
August qt/i.— This morning I have been down to Shih-
pah-li-pu, riding there and walking back. A young man,
about twenty-five, one of the brightest of the Christians,
walked home half-way with me, and I much enjoyed
getting him to tell me how his family had first come to
hear the Gospel. Now his father and mother, elder
brother and wife, and younger brother and self are all
members — a thorough Christian family, where four years
ago they were idolaters.
One of the most encouraging features of the Church at
Shih-pah-li-pu is that not one of them is in any way re-
ceiving money from foreigners. May such long continue
to be the case, as in China so often most of the members
are either servants of the missionaries, or in some way
receiving foreign money as native helpers, chapel-keepers,
colporteurs, etc. They are mostly small farmers.
When I go down to the country meeting, it seems just
like going to a country meeting at home, but for having to
speak in Chinese. They do listen so well, and not a few
do a little in taking notes — at least noting down the
references, so as to be able to look up the subject
afterwards.
AuguH 17th, 1886. — This morning I received a call
from a mandarin, who came straight into the waiting-room
as I was preaching to the patients, while Mr. Sie was
attending to their diseases in the consulting-room. He
was shown up into our guest hall, where I soon joined
him. He had called to make a present, in return for our
services one day last week, when we were permitted to
save the life of his daughter-in-law.
He had sent first to the brethren at the other house,
being near to his house, but she was deeply under the
influence of the opium she had swallowed, and all the
means at their disposal were exhausted without any
result, so Mr. Phelps stayed there while Mr. Gill came
over for me, and we set off armed with galvanic battery,
stomach-pump, hypodermic syringe, and appomorphia.
On reaching the house, however, we met Mr. Phelps
coming away, as the case seemed hopeless and the family
themselves had given up hope. However, I am thankful
to say that the persevering use of the means just men-
tioned resulted soon in return to consciousness, and in
about an hour, we were able to leave her out of danger.
It was a very satisfactory case, as her appearance when
we first saw her was enough to warrant any one in taking
a very unfavourable view of the case. So hopeless did
even her father regard it, that he pressed me to desist
troubling further and to sit down to a meal prepared for
us. This morning he was loud in his praises of our
instruments, and wanted to see the battery again, and
understand its action, then asked about electricity and the
telegraph ; so I was able to bring out my electro-magnet,
electric bell and telegraph (all made in this house by
native workmen, to my direction), and explain them to
him. After this I was able to talk awhile about the one
true God and the emptiness and futility of all idolatry.
It is remarkable how, in spite of education and high social
position, the Chinese are so terribly bound up in their
superstitions.
For instance, on reaching his house we noticed first a
mysterious character written on a strip of yellow paper,
and hung up from the lintel of the door. These one sees
everywhere, in the houses of high and low, rich and poor,
when any calamity has befallen any one in the house. It
is supposed to be a charm capable of keeping away the
approach of evil spirits. Then, next, one could not but
observe blood about the place, two ducks having been
killed, and the blood sprinkled to appease the evil spirit.
Thirdly, I noticed what I did not understand till afterwards.
Close to where she was sitting on the floor were the frag-
ments of a broken basin. The custom seems to be to
write some special character, or charm, on the under sur-
face of the rice basin, and then dash it on the ground, and
note whether the fragment which bears the character on
it is facing upwards or downwards. This is supposed to
give an answer to the question whether or not the patient
will get better ; and, lastly, a fourth superstitious custom
they had followed was to throw a handful of grains of rice
in her face " to drive away the devil." All these useless
practices had been employed when we came with the
battery and stomach-pump. One learns more and more
what a very deep hold these beliefs have on the people.
% Itatik fetimnnid ||Mwicir in §r. Wkhssn.
FROM MISS MUIR.
TUESDAY, August 31st. —To-day we have wit-
nessed an unusual sight. For some time we
have known that some of the well-to-do neighbours
of Dr. Wilson were going to present him with some sort
of a testimonial. It was settled to be to-day, and Mrs.
Wilson invited all of us sisters to go over, as we could see
from the window of their front loft all that was to be seen,
and nobody need know we were there. Inside the Hos-
pital all was in readiness, the Doctor in full dress await-
ing his visitors, the guest-room arranged with red cushions,
etc., as for a festive occasion. Outside, the people on
the street were heard saying, " Surely, there must be a
wedding at the foreigner's house." Mr. Cheo, the Roman
Catholic Doctor, and Mr. Wang, a district official, seemed
to be masters of the ceremonies, and were backwards and
forwards through the mud several times, between the tea-
shop from which the procession was to start, and the Hos-
pital, making final arrangements and suggestions. Mr.
Wang is a Mahommedan, but we were very pleased at a
suggestion he made. He said, on a similar occasion in one
of their families, they would chant some of their sacred
books ; in one of the heathen homes, they would burn
incense and worship heaven and earth ; in our Christian
home, would we not like to sing a hymn to praise God ?
Of course, the Doctor was only too glad to fall in with this
suggestion, and had a sheet-hymn, " From all that dwell
20
CHINAS MILLIONS.
below the skies," in large characters, hung up on the
guest-room wall.
After a long time of waiting, at last we saw the proces-
sion come across the bridge about fifty yards away and
halt while Mr. Cheo came to fetch a long heavy bamboo,
and a few minutes after they arrived, two men carry-
ing the bamboo first. It was covered with crackers,
just one mass of red and white balls ; they turned it over
and over, the crackers going off all the time, making a
great noise and smoke. While this was going on outside,
the procession filed in at the front door, four men carry-
ing a black sign-board, with gold characters, the top
draped with red silk, two more carrying an open box with
scrolls in it. Behind these came twenty odd well-to-do
citizens of Han-chung, some in full dress, all with top
hats. As soon as they were inside the front door, we
went to the windows overlooking the courtyard, to see the
board deposited in the guest-room, right in front of the
table ; it looked very handsome. It was beautifully done,
jet black varnished, four characters in gold, meaning, " Be-
nevolent Relief" to the " Middle Flowery Kingdom."
I must not forget to add that the procession was ac-
companied by a party of musicians, who took up their
stand at the foot of the stair-case, just below where we
were, and they added not a little to the general excite-
ment.
When the guests had all been duly marshalled in the
guest-room, and the Doctor too, there followed an
immense amount of bowing, which over, Mr. Pearse was
invited to the top of the room to say a few words.
We could not hear, but had a good opportunity for taking
stock of the whole scene. The room was full of men
standing, and in the courtyard, and on the verandah
were a crowd of on-lookers, among them our four brothers
from the West Gate conspicuous by their white faces, and
Mrs. Wilson's baby, in his nurse's arms ; also one or two
very gaily-dressed little guests. After singing the hymn
and a few words of prayer and praise, the doctor invited
his guests into the sitting-room, where tea and cakes,
etc., were prepared for two tablesfull of them. The
carpenters came back and carried the board outside, and
proceeded to fix it up, and two more tables were laid in
the guest-room for the rest of the guests. The last table
was not full, I think only three Englishmen sat at it to
start with, but before the repast was over the carpenters
sat down to it. It seems such an odd combination of
guests, according to English ideas, does it not ? but it is
not at all incongruous here, where the principle seems to
be a sort of hail-fellow-well-met, and a few shades nearer
Liberty, Equality, and Fraternity, than in our Conservative
old England.
While this repast was going on, we regaled ourselves
with cocoa up in the loft, and shared with the occupants
of the down-stairs tables some delicious English Mixed
biscuits. Presently, the tea over, the Doctor appeared
again, this time in his every-day costume, and invited all
the guests into the men's ward, where he had arranged
all his scientific apparatus, a good deal of it being
of Chinese manufacture ; such as time-ball, electric
telegraph, andbattery, all made by a Han-chung carpenter,
under Dr. Wilson's superintendence. When they had
all disappeared into the ward, we emerged from the loft
and had a look at the rooms, where the guests had been.
The scatter of dress, hats, and garments about the place
was most absurd and untidy-looking, but decidedly
Chinese, as they don't seem to think it matters what you
have on after the salutations are once over.
After the exhibition of all the Doctor's apparatus, the
feast came on, in Mahommedan fashion of course, and
when that was over, Dr. Wilson gave each of his
guests a little memento of the occasion — a Matthew's
Gospel and three other books, bound in bright colours, and
each set done up together with red paper, on which was
written a request that the gift, though apparently small,
might be carefully read. The books were received with
great eagerness, and much prayer has been made for a
blessing on them. Will all who read this thank the Lord
with us, for giving his servants favour in the sight of the
people, and pray much for Han-chung, not forgetting the
Mahommedans.
ijclp w %mt% of ttcctr.
FROM MR. PEARSE.
AT the time of the riot in Chung-k'ing, Messrs. Pearse and C. Polhill-Turncr arrived at the neigh-
bouring city of Pao-ning, and finding that examinations were going on, thought it better to leave
till they were over, and decided to pay a visit to the friends at Chung-k'ing. Taking with them what
they needed for a short time only, and leaving at Pao-ning the native Christians who had come with
them, they reached Chung-k'ing to find that all the missionaries were in the Ya-men, and that
they must stay with them till the mandarin should arrange for them to leave. Boats were provided to
take them all down the Yang-tse to I-chang, but Mr. Pearse was glad to start homewards by the nearer
route from Kwei-fu.
MR. CECIL TURNER, our servant, and myself
took twenty days to reach Han-chung overland
from Kwei-fu. The brethren at Chung-k'ing had
two ponies, which they did not know what to do with, so
offered them to us to ride to Han-chung. Not having
much money for hiring coolies or chairs, we were glad to
accept their offer, more especially as the weather was too
hot to attempt a long journey on foot. Hefore leaving we
hired a boat to convey the ponies to I-chang, and left our
boy to bring them on. They arrived at Kwei-fu at mid-
night, in time to prevent our going on to I-chang, which
we should have had to do, had they not arrived before
morning, lest if we remained at Kwei-fu the boy on the
boat with the ponies should go on down the river, not
knowing we had landed there. We were very thankful
for the Lord's help and guidance in thus arranging matters
for us.
About eight a.m., the boats went off, leaving us behind.
We had to scramble up a high, muddy bank, and carry
all ovr belongings up as well. After a good deal of
trouble— for we had not been used to Chinese saddles —
we got the ponies saddled, and our bedding and a few
other things which we had with us on to their backs. It
was fearfully hot, and the perspiration was pouring off us.
CHINAS MILLIONS.
21
A CHINESE TOY-VENDOR.
22
CHINAS MILLIONS.
We then prepared to start, but another difficulty pre-
sented itself. The boatman made an unjust claim for
money, and followed us into the city, evidently prepared
to make difficulty, thinking, I supposed, that under the
circumstances we should be easily frightened into giving
v/hat he demanded. A crowd soon collected in the street,
to whom he told his tale, adding (so our servant told me
afterwards) that we had been turned out of Chung-k ing,
and our houses destroyed, and now we refused to pay him
for his boat. The crowd took his part, and urged us to
pay, and the boatman seized the bridle of one of the
ponies, and so prevented our going on. All just claims
had been more than met, so I refused to pay more, not
only because he had been fully paid, but because we had
very little money for our journey, as it was, having only
brought enough to take us back to Pao-ning, and the
friends at Chung-k'ing had not been able to lend us any ;
so I told the boatman that if he liked I would go with him
to the ya-wen, and he could present his case there, which
we did, and finally we got off without paying what he de-
manded. This incident was a pretty good test of the
temper of the people there. If they had been inclined to
be troublesome, they had a pretext, and could easily have
got up a disturbance. We did not know how they might
behave towards us, and consequently were thankful to get
away.
At first we had a good deal of trouble with our horses ;
we had not learnt how best to adjust their loads, and our
servant was quite unaccustomed to the kind of work he
had to do. Then we discovered soon after leaving Kwei-
fa that they were minus no fewer than four or five shoes
between them, and as our road lay a good deal in the
rocky bed of a river, of course they soon fell lame, and we
had to walk most of the time, as no blacksmith was to be
found.
For the first three days, and at times afterwards, it was
excessively hot, and we could not travel far, as thirst and
weariness made very frequent spells of rest necessary.
We put wet cloths on our heads and round our straw
hats, and still the heat of the sun was almost unbearable.
For the first eleven or twelve days the roads were fear-
fully bad, being either along the course of a river or over
mountains. In the former case we were often almost as
much in the water as out of it. One day we forded a
river seventy-two times, and other days almost as often.
Sometimes the water was deep, and the horses had to
swim, we ourselves crossing by a plank, bridge, or boat.
This happened three times in one day, and each time, of
course, the saddles and our bedding, etc., had to betaken
off and re-adjusted, causing much trouble and loss of time.
At other times the current was so rapid that we were
glad to steady ourselves by holding on to the horses' tails,
and so crossing over. Had we encountered many heavy
storms, we should have been delayed indefinitely, for at
such times those mountain-rivers in a very few hours
become so swollen as to be quite unfordable. More than
once, as it was, we were told we could not cross the
river, but found a way over when we got to it. Altogether
we were only delayed one day by rain and swollen
streams.
Twice the road was so bad that we had to take our
things with us by boat, and hire three or four men to
lead the ponies over the bad places in the road, the path
being too narrow to admit of the ponies passing with
loads on their backs, and so sloping that one man had to
hold their heads, and another their tails, to keep them
from falling down the precipice into the river below, not
an unusual occurrence, I believe.
Some of the scenery was simply magnificent, wild and
grand in the extreme — gigantic, overhanging cliffs almost
meeting over our heads — lofty peaks, water rushing down
from a great height, and forming splendid cataracts and
roaring torrents, were what our eyes daily rested on, until
we longed for the plains again, and something more
homelike and peaceful by way of scenery. Of course, we
had great changes of temperature crossing the hills ; one
hot day we climbed a high mountain, and when, towards
evening, we reached the summit, and it came on to rain,
we were glad, on reaching our inn, to sit round a fire and
warm ourselves, after putting on all the warm clothing we
had with us.
Amongst the hills, the people live almost entirely on
potatoes, and never see rice ; we could get on very well,
but the natives who were with us did not think
they had had a meal when no rice was to be had.
I find that we foreigners can adapt ourselves much more
readily to changes of diet, language, climate, Sec, than
the natives themselves. On the whole, we did very well
for food ; we usually confine ourselves to a vegetable
diet on the road, but one is not, I think, much the worse
for that in the hot weather.
The first half of the journey, we passed very few towns
or cities, and saw scarcely any one travelling, except a
good many coolies carrying salt and oil into Shen-SI and
Hu-peh from Si-ch'uen. We visited one small city and
one or two towns where, I think, no European had been.
We could not get books at Chung-k'ing as we had
expected to ; consequently, our small stock was soon sold
out. Often at night I was too weary to preach, or we
arrived at our inn too late to do so. But we did often
preach and sold a good many books while they lasted.
We should have travelled more slowly and given ourselves
more time for preaching on the way, but that I had no
means of communicating with Han-chung, and, as it was
past the time when Mrs. Pearse expected me back, I knew
she would be anxious, especially if she had heard of the
jiot at Chung-k'ing, knowing I had gone there, and hear-
ing, as she would be sure to, exaggerated reports, she
would naturally be alarmed for my safety. I was, there-
fore, anxious to be back as soon as possible on that
account, and also because I knew that there were matters
at home which needed my presence and attention. By God's
goodness news of the riot did not reach Han-chung until
after we had arrived, when a letter came from Pao-ning
giving a full account of the matter which, had it arrived
earlier, must have caused much anxiety on our account.
// had been on tlie road twenty days instead of ten, which
is the usual time.
The last six days, we did a distance which usually
occupies eight or nine, travelling thirty-five miles a day,
and reached home on Saturday evening to find Mrs.
Pearse on the tip-toe of expectation, and just beginning
to get weary in watching for one who did not come. The
Lord in His goodness brought me back when further
waiting and suspense would have been painful and trying.
We had many little trials and hindrances which served as
occasions to cast ourselves for help and guidance on the
Lord, and to draw us nearer to Him. He always helped
us, and we had in the end to praise Him many times for
what looked very awkward and impassable obstacles at
the distance. Almost daily this was our experience. One
day one of our horses would lose a shoe and become
lame in consequence, and perhaps there would be no
smith to be had for days ; another time our boy was ill ;
a third day I got a chill myself and suffered in conse-
quence ; another time one of the horses was knocked
up and could not travel after we had gone only about ten
miles. Again, our last thousand cash was stolen at our
inn, and we were left without money to go on with. These
are samples of some of our little trials on the way, but in
spite of them all, the Lord brought us through in a com-
paratively short time, and always let us see His hand
CHINA'S MILLIONS.
2 3
outstretched to help. When we had no money I borrowed
from the local mandarin enough to take us to the next
city (Hsing-an), promising to send it back by the runners
who accompanied us, but we were stopped a day by rain,
so the sum proved insufficient. However, the landlord
of the inn where we were staying allowed us to remain
on our promising to send back the sum required to pay
our bill by the same man from the city. We gave our
promise, believing that the Lord would provide, but where
the money was to come from we did not know. [They
had money in Han-chung.] We thought we might be able
to borrow it, as we were better known there, through several
parties having passed on their way to Han-chung, but I
think it would have been doubtful. However, the Lord
knew our needs, and had anticipated them. When we
reached Hsing-an we found Mr. Burnett on a boat on
his way to Hankow. He had been detained there twenty
days, and was much tried in consequence. He kindly
gave us what we needed to pay our debts and bring
us home, and was glad to see that God had a purpose
in keeping him there so long, which he did not know
before. He was ready to start when we arrived, and pro-
bably would get off the next day. So our God anticipates
and supplies our needs. Hallelujah !
% Distt ta Jfulj-ljswg-istlj, <&an-|rfMig ^ttibmt.
FROM MR. COOPER.
AN interesting account from Mr. Cooper of a visit to Ku-cheng-tsih and the neighbourhood was
given in the November number ; we have now received a fuller and still more interesting account
of the journey, of which the following is the conclusion.
FROM Hsuen-shan we went by invitation to another
village called Fuh-hsing. My companion, Mr. Tsu,
had spent a month in this village last autumn, visiting
his relatives and friends, and at that time several of them
professed to believe the Gospel. I had heard encouraging
reports from him of the sincerity of some of these converts,
but must confess I was scarcely prepared for such out-
spoken testimony as met me on arrival. The farmhouse
to which we were invited gave evidence as to the changed
religion of its owner. Over the lintel of the outside door,
where it is customary to paste characters desiring good
luck, longevity, etc., I noticed four characters in large type,
which read : " There is only one true doctrine." On the
doors also were the words : " All who trust in Jesus will
escape from sin and its punishment,'' and "All who
worship God will obtain heavenly happiness." On the
inside wall several sheet tracts and a Christian calendar
were posted up ; while, on entering the guest-room, in the
place where idols, tablets, and incense altars are usually
placed, was a copy of the Ten Commandments and other
scrolls, showing that it was the intention of the owner to pro-
pagate the Gospel. He was a fine old man of sixty years.
He gave us a very hearty welcome, and soon proved that
his life and conversation were in full keeping with his
profession. Like others, he had been reviled and perse-
cuted for rejecting the superstitions of his ancestors ; but
like Mr. Yang, he was sufficiently grounded in the truth
to stand the test of such trials. Having two sons who
attend to the whole of his business, he has plenty of
leisure time, and this he spends in reading the Scriptures.
His Bible knowledge, therefore, is not small, and as he
was quite open to instruction, it was a great pleasure even
to correct the erroneous interpretations which he had
placed on some passages.
During Mr. Tsii's visit last year, another relative, called
Keh-cheng, gave up opium-smoking, cast away his idols,
and professed to believe the Gospel. We now heard that
this man had returned to his sins. The effect of these sad
tidings on Mr. Tsu was very affecting ; he wept and prayed
before the Lord nearly all night, and next morning asked
me to accompany him to the house of the backslider.
It has been my privilege when in England to meet
with many earnest evangelists, but I do not remember
ever seeing one who equalled this brother in his earnest
dealing with a fallen one. How he pleaded and reasoned
with him ! spoke of the love of Christ, which he was
despising for the trifles of earth, and of the consequences
of rejecting the Saviour ! " Oh, Keh-cheng," he cried,
" think of what you are doing, hastening on to ten thousand
million years of misery for the sake of this accursed opium,
and for fear of the sneers of a few mortal men. But that's
not all. You know you are the head of this family, and
as such, have a great influence with them. Oh, can you
bear the thought that you are dragging a whole family
down to eternal destruction ? " The dear old man went
on in this strain until noon, when, several other members
of the family having come in, we held a meeting, after
which, to our great joy, Keh-cheng vowed he would give
up the opium and turn to the Lord at any cost.
We had dinner with them, and then went on to another
house where there were four believers. Here we held two
meetings and stayed the night. In this house there lives
a widow of one of the sons. Mr. Tsii asked her if she
believed the glad tidings. "Yes," she said, in a plaintive
voice, " I believe, and my brothers believe ; but, oh ! why
did you not come a few years sooner? for then my
husband might have believed, but now it is too late for
him.'' That cry has been ringing in my ears ever since.
" Why did you not come sooner ? ' How many millions
there are in this dark land for whom it will soon be too
late ! and yet some at home seem to think that the state-
ments of missionaries as to the awful need of workers to
go to Christ's heathen in China are extravagant. But is
the fact not rather, we are far too stinted in our asking
for more helpers, and need to consider prayerfully such
passages as Matthew ix. 36-38, and Mark xvi. 15 ?
There being no experienced Christians at the Fuh-hsing
village, special care was needed in the reception of candi-
dates, as after our departure they would be left for some
months without any teachers to instruct them. After
much prayer, however, we accepted eight, and these were
baptised in a small stream near to the village in presence
of a deeply interested audience of about ninety persons,
who witnessed for the first time the ordinance of Christian
baptism.
The opening of these new stations — which are entirely
self-supporting — has created a deep thirst for many more
such openings, and theworkers in GAN-HWUYhave unitedly
agreed to ask the Lord to open one thousand stations in
this province. Also, in praying for this, we do not forget
that He delights to do "exceeding abundantly" above all
we ask or think.
24
CHINA'S MILLIONS.
FROM MR. DUNCAN KAY.
OCTOBER 19///. — I have just returned from a visit to
Chi-men Hien. I went there at the invitation of
a man, whom I met first at the examination in this city,
in the beginning of this year. He is one of the first
scholars in his native city, and he came to our hall to
learn something of astronomy. He had heard that we
foreigners were more advanced than themselves in the
knowledge of heavenly mysteries. Of course I told him
that in this study, as in every other, it was necessary to
begin at the foundation, and spoke to him of the Author
of nature. He bought several of our books, and con-
tinued a regular visitor and intelligent inquirer for the
few weeks he remained in this city. He afterwards sent
me the enclosed Chinese letter, with two pounds of tea.
I liked the spirit of the letter very much. After this he
went down to Kao-chau Fu, in KlANG-SI, on business, and
meeting with brothers Blandford and Molland, there con-
tinued his inquiries. They sent the enclosed letter to
me by him, and I received it on my visit to his home
last week. It is indeed encouraging to me to see how
this dear man has persevered in his search after truth.
He says distinctly that he believes the doctrine; but, as
you know, it is no small matter, for a scholar of his grade,
to make an open confession of his faith. We must
pray that he may be wholly delivered from the fear of
man.
His case teaches me two lessons : first, that our faith
for results on the preached word needs to be enlarged ;
and second, that we should follow up individual cases
more patiently. During the course of that examination
many hundreds of scholars came to our hall ; some
bought books, some listened to the preached word,
some scoffed and laughed ; but none went away without
a message to their soul. The LORD has said that His
Word shall not return unto Him void. Would it be some-
thing surprising, then, if numbers of these teachers have,
like this dear brother, become seekers after a Saviour ?
or is it not rather what we should be believing for, and
expecting from, the Lord? Then, again, though this
man manifested special interest in the Gospel while here,
I forgot all about him until his letter came as a rebuke
to me for having lost the privilege of at least pray-
ing for him at this time when help was so much
needed.
There is to be an important examination in this city
next year, to last for the first two months. Pray for us
that we may make a great conquest, and that our Lord's
Name may be magnified in the midst of this truly gain-
saying class of people, the Chinese scholars.
I met with a very happy incident on my way home
from Chi-men. About ninety li from here, in passing a
farmhouse, two men working in the yard interchanged
some remarks about the " foreign devil." A young man
about twenty, standing in the doorway, rebuked them for
using such an expression. The young man followed me
at some distance, until we got out of sight of his own
home ; then he called me, and asked if I was a Christian.
On my answering yes, he said, " So am I." I was slow
to believe this at first, as no one had ever preached the
Gospel near his home ; but he told me his story. He had
been sent to Han-kow as apprentice to a Chinese banker,
and while there he heard the Gospel, believed it, and was
received into Mr. Hill's church. He was baptised more
than two years ago ; but when his parents heard that he
had become a believer in this foreign heresy, they sent
for him to come home. They took the few religious
books that he had from him, and burned them ; but,
praise the Lord, his religion was evidently not all in the
books, he had it in his heart. He had a lively faith in
Christ as his Saviour, and a sure hope of eternal life.
I encouraged him as much as I could under the circum-
stances, and exhorted him to be bold in telling out to all
whom he met the Good News in which he rejoices so
much himself.
May the time soon come when it shall be said of all
China as the governor of Bithynia said about the Chris-
tians in his province seventy years after Christ : — "There
are many of every age, and of both sexes ; nor has the
contagion of this superstition (blessed Gospel) seized
cities only, but smaller towns also, and the open country."
We have a few inquirers, and have a class every
Saturday for direct teaching. I trust we may have some
baptisms soon. May we indeed be faithful ambassadors
of the Cross of Christ.
Wiaxh in % |ju-mui ^robintc.
FROM THE DIARY OF MR. T. JAMES.
SEPTEMBER 10///.— It having been arranged for the
ex-priest to start to-morrow for Hunan, I have,
alter prayer, decided to t?ke advantage of this, and so
make a short journey to Chang-teh and some smaller
places.
\ith. — This morning early, everything being arranged,
we gathered for prayer, and after commending each other
to the care and guidance of the Lord, we left for the
boat, and were soon on our way to Hu-NAN. We made
direct for Chang-teh Fu, and having a strong favourable
wind, we arrived in safety on Saturday evening.
1 \ih. — This, the Lord's day, was spent peacefully in a
very quiet inn, the same that Brother Dick stayed at last
year. During our stay of nine days, there were constant
inquiries after the foreign teacher of last year. Many
who bought books then came for others now.
Twice to-day we went and had short services at the
house of our Brother Ko, who is a member of the London
Mission at Hankow. It was with sadness one contem-
plated to-day the fact of being alone, as a servant of
Christ, in the midst of sixteen million souls. I can, from
this time, more earnestly cry to GOD for labourers to
occupy this land for Christ. Soon may open doors for
settled work be granted.
16///. — To-day, and four following days, we were on the
streets selling books, and as opportunity was given, tell-
ing out the glad good news of our SAVIOUR'S love.
On the evening of the 20th the innkeeper was sent
for by the official, who requested we should leave early,
as examinations were about to be held. Upon this we
said we would arrange to leave as early as possible.
21$/, — To-day arranged with boat, and hope on Mon-
CHINA'S MILLIONS.
25
day to leave, and e?i route for Sha-shi to visit eight other
places.
22nd. — To-day much as last Sabbath. Had to-day, and
in fact from the time of my coming here, very great long-
ings and earnest prayer, that if it be to the glory of GOD,
He would grant this city to be speedily open for Gospel
work. The place is beautifully situated, and much
cleaner than any I have yet seen. The people throughout
our stay were very respectful, and every night there were
many who came to visit us. On Thursday night we met
a mandarin at Mr. Ko's, who wanted to know many things
respecting us. We were told that the Roman Catholics
had large premises in the city used as a cloth-store, and
worked by native helpers.
23rd. — To-day we went on to our boat, but could not
start till next morning. Our first stoppage was at a small
town — Liu-pi-tan — here the priest preached and I sold
books for about three hours. It was a very pleasant time,
the people giving the best attention.
On Friday (24th) we made two calls at Chen-ho and
Chiang-keo.
On Saturday evening (25th) we had, for selling and
preaching, a good time at Chia-chi. Later on that day,
as we anchored at a small village, I thought I should like
to leave a few Gospels. So I wended my way to the
village shop. Here I met a young man who, having heard
the Gospel at Hankow, was soon ready to tell what he
had heard to the people who gathered. He told them
that God was the King of kings, that Jesus was His
Son, and that as our Saviour He had suffered on the
Cross. This was a delight, meeting one who knew so
much. May he yet believe, and accept this Saviour as
his.
On Sabbath morning (26th) our boatman went a couple
of li to put in shelter from the sun. Here, during the
day, we had many visitors and much quiet peaceful com-
munion.
The following Tuesday (28th) we sold books at San-
tsao-lao.
The next day (29th), at Meng-chia-chi, I was taken for
a Roman Catholic priest, as here the Roman Catholics
have a school and a native priest, who was driven out of
Kai-chi-chiao some three months before. Here, too, they
have many followers. The military mandarin of this
place is one, but, being absent at the time, we did not see
him. However, next day at To-kung, he, hearing of our
being there, paid a visit to our boat. The day following
(Friday, October 1), we arrived at Hwang-chin-keo, and
made our last call. We were sold out of Gospels, but
with other books and Gospel-tracts had a good time,
taking some 900 cash. Here, as at other places, many
remembered the visits of our Brothers Dorward and
Dick, the previous year. A few days previous to our visit,
there had been a large fire, and it so happened that we
arrived at the time when, under such circumstances, the
usual idol-worship is carried on. We had thus large
gatherings of people to hand, who listened to the message
of truth and life with much interest.
laptisms \\\ flw-rljiw, <ff{tt{r-kfottg |$ra(xwa.
FROM MR. THOMPSON.
OCTOBER 26th.— I paid a visit lately to Yuh-shan,
and examined a few inquirers : four were received
— two male and two female. Then I came to Chang-
shan, and finding a few waiting to be received, asked
them to come down to Kiu-chau for baptism : from
Chang-shan there were also four received — three male
and one female. In Kiu-chau itself there were four more
to baptise, three of whom were school-girls. These girls
have been in the school a long time, and had the advan-
tage of the valuable teaching of Miss Boyd first, and,
latterly, have been with Misses Macintosh and Gibson,
and also had the Christian counsel of Miss C. Murray
(now with her sister in Yang-chau). Still more recently
Miss Williams has been with them in the school. These
have all exerted a great influence on the minds of the
girls, and have a high opinion of their Christian
character.
The other baptised was a man who came to us as a
doorkeeper a year ago, and had been a Christian for a
long time, having attended our little gathering in Peh-
shih-kiai for some six years. I need not say that it was
high time he should join us. He has shown by his be-
haviour that he is a true man. I do not think Mr. Randle
ever met him, as he was generally away at work when
Mr. Randle was at Peh-shih-kiai. These make a nice
addition to the army of the Saviour in this district —
twelve in all. May God bless them very richly, and
make each a Daniel.
We are having preaching three evenings a week just
now, as well as on Sunday afternoon for the outside
people, and are getting good congregations. The other
evenings our meetings are for the converts. We are
praying about a week's special meetings which we hope
to hold soon. May God get glory in all, and souls be won .
Wiaxlx m ymt-rjmt, ftatt-sujy ^xabimtt.
FROM MR. LAUGHTON.
MANY have been the blessings which the Lord has
conferred upon me since my arrival in China, and
at no time was the presence of my blessed and glorious
Master more manifest than when alone at Si-ning. Often
has the Lord so revealed Himself to me, and so real
has been the divine presence, that I have wondered if in
heaven I could get nearer or know more of my blessed
Master. Ah, yes ! to know Christ and the power of His
resurrection is indeed glory upon earth.
When I gaze upon the masses of heathen around me
upon every side, and think of the command of my blessed
Master, " Go ye and preach the Gospel to every creature,"
etc., I often wonder how those who could come, but will
not, will meet the Lord upon that day when every man
shall be called to give an account of how he has traded
with the talents bestowed upon him. Mine may not be great,
but may the Lord enable me day by day to trade with
them to the best advantage, and may souls be saved for
His glory.
While at Si-ning, I managed to scatter several hundred
26
CHINA'S MILLIONS.
portions of Gon's Word, and afterwards found many
reading them. I have seen them in the hands of men
with stands on the street, and found them also in some of
the larger shops, so that I believe that though I am now
absent there are many who will be reading the Word of
God.
Some time ago, I wrote you about my servant and the
joy he then gave me ; truly, I felt rejoiced in my loneliness
to have one I could teach about the LORD. Now I must
write aboiU him with a sad and heavy heart. He became
very proud, wished to go home, has commenced drinking
and opium-smoking, has pawned his good clothes, but,
worst of all, he goes every morning to inquire of the
fortune-tellers and idols when he will get work. What an
awful change has taken place in him ! Of course, he will
not come near me. I do pray that the Lord may yet
have mercy upon him and that he may be restored.
Shortly after my arrival part of a hill not far from our
house fell in, where some men were digging earth, and
buried one of them, a young man of about twenty five years
of age. He was severely injured about the abdomen, also
his leg broken. The native doctors could do nothing for
him, and they came running for me. I went to see him,
lifting my heart to God that He would guide me as to
what was right to do, and He heard and answered. I
dressed his wounds as well as my ignorance would permit,
and I am happy to say that the young man is now almost
better, and will, I trust, be all right. May he be brought
to a knowledge of Christ. Since then I have had many
cases, such as dog bites, boils, colds, etc., etc. I make it
a point to explain that I am not a doctor, and that I have
come to tell them of God and the way of salvation.
About a month ago a young man came and asked me
about breaking off opium-smoking. He said that he was
willing and anxious to give it up, but that he could not do
so as long as he stayed in his own house, and he was
intending to come and take a room near to us. Being a
very respectable-looking man, I told him I would give
him a room here. He came, and has taken opium medi-
cine dailv, and now has almost got over the desire for
opium. He hears the Gospel da'ly, and I want to see him
going away on the Lord's side.
A young man came and bought a New Testament, and
after reading it all through, returned yesterday, and I
must say that he asked the most sensib'e questions that I
have yet been asked. He tells me that he desires to
become a Christian, and has pro.nised to come and hear
more about the Gospel to-morrow.
5% Cjjtfaa jgritaflk
FROM "THE CHINESE RECORDER," OCTOBER, 1SS6.
To the Editor o/Tnv. RECORDER.
DEAR SIR, — It has been my privilege to attend the
closing exercises of the " Collegiate School," under
the superintendence of the China Inland Mission, at their
sanitarium near Chefoo. These exercises were highly
gratifying to me, and to all those, who saw them, so far as
I have learned. The success and standing of this school
seem to have made a generally favourable impression.
The exercises showed great care and patience on the part
of the teachers, and quite commendable diligence on the
part of the pupils.
The school has two departments, a boys' and a girls',
entirely separate from each other. Resides, within the
last year, a third department for small children — chiefly
Eurasian has been put into operation.
The school has been in operation for five and a half
years, during which time sixty pupils have been in attend-
ance. Among these pupils there has not been a single
case of serious sickness, a fact that speaks louder than
words for the healthfulness of this northern climate.
There are, especially, two or three considerations that
strongly commend this school to our favour, regardless
of denominational or society differences.
i. The decidedly religions character of the teaching
and training. A gentleman said yesterday en the floor of
the schoolroom, " We make no secret of the fact that we
are teaching religion to the pupils." A constant effort is
made to bring them to a believing knowledge of the
J Saviour.
2. The advantage that this school affords to mission-
aries to give their children a start in their future educa-
tion. They can here be trained ready to enter college
without the necessity of sending them home so young as
to require the presence of one or both their parents, and
thus interrupt, if not entirely stop, their mission work.
3. A number of pupils outside the mission circles also
attend, who, when they go into business in the ports,
cannot but create gradually a more favourable impression
with regard to mission work than has heretofore existed
among the merchant class in China. Last year, there
were four boys who have been in school a considerable
length of time, and who are now successfully engaged in
business.
4. The healthy and invigorating climate, with seabath-
ing, etc., cannot but be greatly conducive to the physical
development of the pupils.
On the whole, I think we have great reason to be thank-
ful that this school has been started, and that it has met
with so much success, and it certainly deserves patronage.
Chefoo, July 7 tit, 1 386.
We have received a letter from Rev. W. P. Sprague,
of Kalgan, speaking in equally commendatory terms of
this school. — Ed. C. M.
GKbiitigs front Ǥra:ttcrcir W&ttxkm,
(?Tbcb-Inang Jlrotrince.
From Miss M. Carpenter.
Shao-hing, 0<t. 21st.
The school- children are well. Our eldest girl was married
yesterday to one of the native Christians, so now we have fifteen
scholars.
From Mr. Andrew Wright.
Kin-hwa, Stpi. 25//;.
I could not desire to be in a better place in Chini. The
surroundings of this city are magnificent — in fact, in some puts,
the scenery exceeds anything I ever saw at home. The work
here is also going forward favcurably. On Aug. 1st, seven
baptised, and a number are on probation : twen'y-nine are
CHINA'S MILLIONS.
27
in fellowship, and we are made glad by noticing, these last two
Sabbaths, a desire to push forwards amongst the members. May
they know Jesus in all His fulness. I am in health and joy.
From Mr. Grierson.
Bing-yanz, Sept. \"]th.
Dear Brother Sayers and I arrived here on the 6th inst. We
had Mr. Stott as escort. Leaving Wun-chau on tli2 morning of
the 4th we were able to reach Dong-ling in the afternoon. We
stayed over Lord's Day, when we had a hearty service with the
Chri ; tians and others. The journey next day was most enjoyable,
and in the afternoon we took up what we hope, by the grace of
God, is to be our centre of operations. We are both thankful
for such a comfortable home. The service last Lord's Day was
one that made our hearts glad. All were comfortably seated,
and we cannot but think that with a few alterations the place
could be made very suitable for its purpose. We are looking to
God for more of his power in our souls, and for preparation for
the great work that lies before us in this dark land. The longer
one lives in China the more the darkness is realised. It is pre-
cious to look at such a verse as Psalm lxxxvi., 9, " All nations
whom Thou hast made shall come and worship before Thee, O
Lord ; and shall glorify Thy Name " I am glad that I have
been called to China were it for nothing else than that I now
realise more than ever the preciousness of souls.
Jesus, save me." Soon after he died. The man's mother told
the above to one of the members of the church.
(grm-fffottg jjrcbmtt.
From Mr. Geo. Miller.
Ning-kwoh Fit, Oct. nth.
I was at T'ai-ping Fu lately. Praise God, some of the people
are destroying their idols, and five enquirers are waiting for
baptism. I impressed upon the Christians and enquirers the
importance of having a self-supporting work, and solicited sub-
scriptions with the view of erecting a small place of worship.
They willingly offered according to their means, and I hope in a
month's time we shall be able to get a little place built.
The work here is pretty hard just now ; still I know that the
Lord "is mighty; lie will save," and I believe that many
here will soon be led to Jesus.
From Mr. Duncan Kay.
Hwuy-chaii Fu, Sept. 1st.
We are looking for one or two baptisms before the end of this
year. We have a teacher attending prayers just now, the first
man of this province who has come ; we have three Kiang-si
enquirers, and a Kin-hwa tailor and his wife. I am purposing
paying a fortnight's visit to the eight Hien cities of this Fu, and
we are looking for great things from our great God.
inuM-dnut llrobinte.
From Mr. Andrew.
Kwei-yang, Sept. \"]th.
We are having plenty of visitors of the well-to-do classes,
many of them breaking off opium. They are very friendly,
some of them coming to prayers often. They acknowledge this
doctrine is true, but they have the fear of man before their eyes.
One of them (whose father is a mandarin) said, " I have argued
with these Jesus doctrine people for years, but have not found
anything wrong in the doctrine." He is quite friendly and very
candid. He fears that if he became a Christian the Fu-t'ai
would depose his father. Some say they have decided to serve
Jesus.
A boy and a girl in the schools are desirous of following Jesus.
I believe they are real, and may baptize them ere long.
Sometimes the devil seems to make extra efforts to cause the
Christians to stumble. Alas ! that we have to say that he is
sometimes successful. Our hearts are grieved by seeing one or
two following their own desires. May the Lord lead them back
again. I do hope that Kwei-chau will be opened more and
more to the preaching of the Gospel. I should delight to see
stations opened in other cities.
A young man who had heard the Gospel preached lay dying a
short time ago not far from here. His mother was attending
him— life was nearly gone, when he said, "What time is it?"
" One o'clock," was the answer. The dying man said, " Wait
a bit," and then uttered this prayer, " I beseech The?, Lord
gun-nan $}robtncc.
From Mr. John Smith.
Ta-li Fu, June lyd.
The boys in school are all doing well, and seem to be very
happy. A short time ago our Christian servant had a great
trial ; but it resulted, as trials have done to some of the rest of
us, in the strengthening of his faith in God. His brother be-
came insane, was very outrageous, and getting worse every day.
Our servant always said he was sure his case was similar to that
of the man who lived among the tombs in Gadara. At length
his mother grew quite tired of him, and, thinking his case hope-
less, sent him to the Ya-men to be killed. He was to be
beheaded in two days. We joined in asking God to heal him.
Next morning he was much better, and in a few days he was
quite well. The underlings then refused to let him out, except
they received a good deal of silver. We thought this unfair, a*
he had had no food from them, and we declined to assist.
Again we unitedly brought him before God, asking Him to bring
him out. Next morning we sent his brother to ask the man-
darin to let him out, which he did. He stayed four days with
us, heard the Gospel, received a little help, and went home to
his wife and family, 120 li from the city.
From Mr. Foucar.
Ta-li Fu, July nth.
The Lord is graciously granting us encouragement in the
work. Two more of the boys in the school have, of their own
accord, told Brother Smith that they had accepted the Lord
Jesus as their Saviour. May the Lord indeed make them
bright witnesses for Himself.
llan-su^ Drobtnce.
From Mr. Hunt.
Ts'in-chau, July, 1886.
The medical work opens many a closed door and wins the
esteem of many an one who might never otherwise have been
brought under the sound of the Gospel. A case only lately has
won for us fresh favour from the Mahommedans of this city, who
are a strong body and very distinct from the purely Chinese
race. Last year I saved a Mahommedan B.A. who had taken
opium. This year I was called to a case where the opium had
been swallowed and absorbed ; all native means had been used
and failed, and the man's life was given up by the majority ;
men and women were weeping and wailing, some rolling on the
ground in their grief. The man was quite unconscious, and
certainly looked very bad. A whole day spent in administering
antidotes by hypodermic syringe, and in using heat and artificial
respiration, resulted in the evening in the return of consciousness,
to the amazement of those who had given the man up as dead,
and were already making preparations for the chanting of the
Koran and the burial of the body. " This," remarked some, " is
the calling of the dead to life again." The elder brother of
this man was interested enough to attend the Gospel meeting
afterwards.
This is only one case of many, but I have given it to show
that even a self-acquired knowledge of the elementary principles
of medicine is of no small aid to the missionary in his labours
amongst the Chinese people. During a year's practice I have
had many successful cases and dozens of presents brought tome.
Such presents are not usually valuable from a monetary point of
view, but because they show that the treatment has been fully
appreciated.
Sljan-si JJmbmtc.
From Dr. Edwards.
T'ai-yiien Fu, Sept. 2"]'h.
Since my return from the hills, patients have begun to come
again, and to-day we reopened the dispensary and hospital for
regular work. One of our in-patients is a poor fellow who has
come from a place called Soh-p'ing Fu, some 800 li to the north.
His case is almost hopeless, as his eyes are nearly blind ; still
he stays with us for a time to see if he can be benefited.
28
CHINAS MILLIONS.
Another patient comes from Kwei-hwa-ch'eng, and was sent by
Mr. Geo. Clarke. He has double cataract. A few days ago I
operated on one eye, which bids fair to do well.
Yesterday we were greatly encouraged, as Miss Broomhall's
little maid told her she had decided to be a disciple of the Lord
Jesus. In the morning, at our early prayer-meeting, Mr. Orr
Ewing had asked that at least one soul might be given us, and
before the day was out we had the little maid's confession.
Oct. \\th.~ Last spring I operated on an old opium-smoking
shopkeeper for cataract. The case did not turn out well, and
when the man left at the end of six weeks I feared he would
not have any sight at all. Last Saturday, however, he turned
up with a gorgeous tablet, similar to, but more expensively got
up than the one sent home. The four characters on it may be
translated as meaning " The wonderful needle is like that of
old," they having traditions that in old times the doctors were
very clever. It was very gratifying to see the old man was so
grateful, though he had not gained very good sight. I am
hoping that he may be further benefited by a second operation.
From Miss Broomhall.
7'ai-yiien Fu, Oct. 29I/1.
When I last wrote I told you of one conversion ; I can now
tell you of more. Three of the old school-girls have confessed
Christ and two women who have come regularly to the Sunday
services for some time. These (with the exception of one girl,
who has gone to P'ing-yang with Mrs. Bagnall), have been formed
into a class. We hope soon to tell you of further additions.
God is opening doors in this city. I have encouraging times on
Monday afternoons, with a number of Manchu women, not far
from here.
From Mr. Geo. W. Clarke.
Kwei-h'va-cVeng, Aug. 23rd.
I am glad to say that I am kept well at work nearly all day
in preaching and helping the sick, so that I have no time to go
on the streets. The people come to us ; in fine weather, from
fifty to three hundred or more come in. Most come about 6 p.m.,
when they have done their work. Crowds hear for the first time.
Pray for conversions.
A great number inquire about giving up their opium. If I
had 200 taels-worth of pills, I believe that they would soon be
all sold ; but I have none.
From Mr. Beynon.
Kivei-hiua-ch'eug, Sept. 2$rd.
I accompanied Brother T. II. King on a short journey, and
have only just returned. We were absent six weeks, and have
seen a good deal of the country between this and Ta-tung and
Kalgan. I find that there are far more villages on the plain
than I had thought, but I have been quite surprised since my
return on learning from the brethren that there are 840 villages
lying around us, all within easy reach. Brothers Terry and
McKee have visited several during our absence. You will see
that we have a large field before us, and we are longing to get
to work in real earnest. I rejoice that God is for us, and that
we have the Holy Ghost. Our sufficiency is of God. To
I Iim we will give all the glory.
We returned from Ta-tung to Fen-chen, and here we had a
pleasant surprise. We had been given to understand that the
people were very anti-foreign, and so were not prepared for the
friendly feeling we met with. We stayed there three days, and
found a very ready sale for our books. It is a busy little town
and very pleasantly situated, distant only four days from this
city. I liked the place very much, and hope to visit it again.
On our return journey we spent two days and nights among
the Mongols, and had an opportunity of seeing something of
their customs. They are always friendly and hospitable, and
many of those we met could speak Chinese, so there was oppor-
tunity of speaking for Jesus. I think that Mongolia will make a
better sanatorium than Che-foo, for this part of the field at least.
From Mr. Terry.
Kuti-hwa-cKcHg, Sept. 29///.
Last Sunday afternoon Mr. Clarke and I tried our hands at
bill-sticking. We started off with paste, brush, and tracts soon
after dinner. Following the Scripture rule we began at home
by pasting three tracts on our gate ; this attracted several
passers-by, whom we left reading the truth which our tracts
contained. We were out about three hours, during which time
we visited most of the principal streets of the city. Mr. Clarke
spoke more or less to thirteen different crowds. We silently
committed each tract into His hands to Whom all power belongs,
and we believe much blessing will be the result.
During the past two mornings Brothers McKee and I have
been out selling Scriptures and tracts, and met with fair success.
I am thankful to say I was able to speak a few words for my
Lord and Master. The people listened attentively while I
told them what we had come to do and where we had come
from, that they were all sinners, and only Jesus could save
them. My heart was so full of joy at being able to say thus
much for my Saviour, that 1 came home and shed tears of
thankful praise.
From Mr. Hoste.
Sih-chau, July 30//:.
Decided to wait here till Monday, as Mr. Cassels had issued an
invitation to the church-members in the villages to come in for
to-morrow. In the afternoon we went out on the streets and
preached and sold tracts : we were out for about two hours, and
had a quiet and attentive audience as a rule.
August 1st, Lord's Day. — Some seven or eight Christians
from the villages, 40 li off, came in, and at our morning service
we had altogether about a dozen Chinamen, also about three or
four women. I took the service. Mr. Ch'u conducted the
second service, which was held almost immediately afterwards.
Mr. Ch'u, with Mr. Cassels and myself, prayed over and laid
hands on two women who were sick. Most of the friends
started for their homes in the afternoon : Messrs. Ch'u and I ac-
companied them a short way outside the city, and then strolled on
till we reached a quiet spot, where we separated for private prayer.
The Christians here strike me as very simple, true people,
whose head -knowledge is not ahead of their hearts. They look
to Messrs. Ch'u and Chang Chih-heng as their natural pastors,
these two men being indeed their spiritual parents. I could not
fail to notice with deep pleasure how wonderfully my dear
brother, Mr. Cassels, had won the confidence and affection of
these native brethren : this he has done by giving up himself,
his time, and everything, just to be at their disposal ; not
preaching himself, but Christ Jesus the Lord and himself
their servant for Jesu's sake. In the evening six of us
remembered the death of the Lord.
Sban-tmtg |)robinTC.
From Mr. Hudson Broomhall.
Chef 90, Oct. l$th.
This morning and yesterday afternoon Mr. Robertson and I
have been making arrangements for a meeting in the Seamen's
Hall, and have visited three men-of-war, two English and one
American. The captain of the American ship said that when
they had been in ports where there were missionaries they had
had meetings on board on Sundays, and that if one could go
they would be very happy to see us. We had intended asking
if we might have a Sunday service, but to be asked was more
than we expected.
From Miss Jakobsen.
Che-foo, Aug. $lh
We have had a blessed time at our teacher's home ; it is such
a joy to see what the Lord has done for him. When we came
here he was very fond of money, and at the end of every month
would ask for more salary, but when we wanted to piy him for
our board at his ho:ne not even Dr. Cameron could get him to
take the money. His reason was that Christ told His disciples
to go without a purse and to eat what was set before them, so
he wanted us to do so. And not only do we thank God for
this, but he told the Gospel wherever we came ; we always had
a congregation at each place, and so many heard the Gospel
who had never heard it before. We could do very little but
pray, but to that work belongs the glorious promise: ''What-
soever ye shall ask the Father in My Name, lie will give it
you." We will indeed bless His name for ever and ever for
such privileges.
-Departures for (fbiiu.
On December 31st, Mr. W. S. Johnston left for China, per
F. and O. steamer, with Mr. Frank McCarthy, who goes to help
in the Che-foo school.
China's Millions.
AGRICULTURAL CEREMONY AT THE OPENING OF SPRING.
ibwc "BoBBtBBxmx antr <&abmxmt\\t — e>.
" What aileth thee, O thou sea, that thoufleest?
Thou Jordan, that thou turnest back ?
Ye motmtai?is, that ye skip like rams;
Ye little hills, like la?nbs ?
Tremble, thou earth, at the presence of the Lord,
At the presence of the God of Jacob ;
Which turned the rock into a pool of water,
The flint into a fountain of waters." — Ps. cxiv. 5-
'N OUR last paper we were brought, as it were, into the goodly land ; and
saw that the mountains and little hills alike proved no barriers to the
victorious progress of the armies of Israel. We lost sight of the human
agency, whether of Moses or of Joshua, in the presence of their Master ;
and remarked that in the life of faith there remains no wilderness. The
God with whom we have to do is One whose presence makes the earth to
tremble — breaks down all hindrances. Even those earthly blessings which
are His own good gifts He often sees fit to remove. He has promised —
promised, not threatened — : "Yet once more will I make to tremble, not the
earth only, but also the heaven. And this word, Yet once more, signifieth
the removing of those things that are shaken, as of things that have been made, that those
things which are not shaken may remain. Wherefore receiving a Kingdom that cannot be
shaken, let us have grace (margin, thankfulness) whereby we may offer service well pleasing to
God with reverence and awe : for our God is a consuming fire." Perhaps sometimes we fail
to realise how great a cause for thankfulness we have, when a loving Father removes some
march, 1887.
3 o CHINA'S MILLIONS.
prop that can be shaken, on which we were leaning all too fondly, instead of resting alone on
the Rock of Ages — a prop which was to some extent eclipsing to our view the Kingdom which
cannot be shaken. Perhaps He saw that we were too content to rest on our oars ; and trust to
some mooring-post, which prevented us, indeed, from drifting with the current, but was incompatible
with our making progress up the stream, and with that arduous battling with the wild waters around,
which was a needful training for future victories. There is a coming day in which not only will the
sea flee, and Jordan be turned back, but heaven and earth will flee away at the presence of Him who
is now known to us as the Lord, the God of Jacob. It is with this mighty One that we have to do,
not with mountains or hills, rivers or seas. He it is who has said, "Go; and, lo, I am with you
alway." May we not well be content with any circumstances, and any surroundings, when He has
said, " I will in no wise fail thee, neither will I in any wise forsake thee." With "good courage " we
may say, " The Lord is my Helper, I will not fear: what shall man do unto me ?" " Tremble, thou
earth, at the presence of the Lord, at the presence of the God of Jacob."
For the encouragement of His faithful, there is, as we have seen, no mention of the wilderness in
this Psalm. And yet, for the encouragement of the timid and the desponding, there are cheering
allusions to it, especially in the last verse. For it was in the wilderness that the rock became a
pool of water, and the flint was turned into a fountain of waters. Is there not also very much tender
consideration in the only titles given to our God in this Psalm — the Lord (not in capitals), and the
God of Jacob? Conscious, perhaps, that we have not the faith of Abraham, nor even that of Caleb
or Joshua, God draws near to us as the Lord, and not as Jehovah, and as the God of poor faltering
and failing Jacob ; and if any of us dare not claim to be in the land and fear that we are still in the
waste howling wilderness, are we not reassured as we think of Him who promised to be with Jacob
in all his wanderings, when he was turning back from the land of promise, a lonely traveller to the
land from which his fathers had come out? Then were the gracious words spoken, " Behold, I am
with thee, and will keep thee whithersoever thou goest, and will bring thee again into this land ; for I
will not leave thee, until I have done that which I have spoken to thee of."
Not altogether dissimilar to the words of our Psalm were the encouragements given to John the
Baptist for the preparatory work which he was sent to do as the forerunner of our Lord. When the
Jews sent unto him from Jerusalem priests and Levitcs to ask him, " Who art thou ? " he said, " I am
the voice of one crying in the wilderness .... as said Isaiah the prophet." And St. Luke, in refer-
ring to the passage, quotes with it the encouragements that must have been so helpful to John : —
" Every valley shall be filled,
And every mountain and hill shall be brought low :
And the crooked shall become straight,
And the rough ways smooth ;
And all flesh shall see the salvation of God."
These gracious assurances remain for our encouragement and help In the work in which we are
engaged at the present day. As John was preparing the way of the Lord, so are we. We rejoice in
all the triumphs of the Gospel, in the conversion of every heathen man who turns from the worship of
idols to serve the living and true God, and to wait for His Son from heaven. But he would take a
most inadequate view of missionary work who thought that nothing more had been accomplished than
that which can be tabulated, and did not rather recognise, in the present work of the Missionary, a
foundation work on which something more glorious is to be built, a preparing the way of the Lord, in
anticipation of the setting up of His glorious Kingdom. In carrying on the work we are commissioned
to do, we have our seas and rivers to cross, our mountains and hills to surmount and remove. In
our own strength we might well look upon our task as hopeless, and our efforts as labour lost. But if
each worker realises himself as a temple of the living God, an instrument possessed and governed and
used by the Almighty, there is no place for discouragement. Before Him, the hard, dry rock shall be
turned into a pool, the flint into a fountain of waters. The purposes of God shall stand, and none can
stay His hand, or say unto Him, What doest thou ?
"The God of Israel, He giveth strength and power untc His people,
Blessed be God."
^^^jLAr
CHINA'S MILLIONS.
3'
(Sirut nf Cnleratfonr,
*"PHE following important proclamation was printed in Hang-chau by the Governor of the Cheh-
*- kiang Province, and has been circulated throughout the Province. Similar proclamations have
been issued in other Provinces ; and whether the local authorities have really issued them or not in
every case, it has evidently been the intention of the Peking authorities to have them issued throughout
the Empire. Friends who have been praying for the fuller opening of China will rejoice with us and
take courage. Will not some of them join with the praying band in China, who are daily asking God
for one hundred new missionaries for the China Inland Mission during the year 1887 ? " Is anything
too hard for the Lord ? "
TRANSLATION.
Proclamation by Wei, Governor of Cheh-h'ang, in favour oj Christianity.
TN the 3rd Moon of the present year (April, 1886)
-*- instructions to the following effect were received
from the Tsung-li Yamen [Chinese Foreign Office] : —
"The protection of Christian Chinese being provided for
in the Treaties, and friendly relations having now been
re-established between China and France, it becomes our
duty to draw attention to the Imperial Decree issued in
7th Moon of the 10th year of Kuang Hsu (August, 1884),
which laid down that wherever there was a chapel, pro-
clamations should be issued with a view to securing
harmony between the people and the converts."
At the time of the receipt of this dispatch I gave the
necessary directions, but, passing as they would through
many hands, there has of course been danger of delay or
error in their execution, and a possibility of the pro-
clamation not having been uniformly promulgated.
In respectful furtherance, therefore, of the benevolent
intentions of the State, I feel it incumbent on me again
to put the matter in plain terms. Know, therefore, all
men of whatsoever sort or condition, that the sole object
of establishing chapels of the various nationalities is to
exhort men to virtue. Those who embrace Christianity
are, as before, Chinese subjects, and both converts and
people should peaceably pursue their calling, and not let
mutual jealousies be the cause of strife between them.
If cases come before the Courts, the local authority
should investigate them impartially, having regard only
to the merits of the case, and not as to whether the litigant
is a convert or not, and should give his decision quickly.
Thus neither party will inflict injury on the other, each
will pursue in peace and quietude his calling, and the
desire of the State, to include in its kindly benevolence
the men from afar [foreign missionaries] equally with its
own people, will not, I trust, be frustrated.
From the date of this proclamation, any lawless vaga-
bonds who make trouble, or stir up strife without a cause,
shall be punished with the utmost rigour of the law. No
mercy will be shown. So beware !
12th Year of Kuang-IIsu, <)th Moon, i6lh Day.
{October 13th, 1886).
®0 % numbers 0! % HJissbtx xn Cjmm,
COPY OF A CIRCULAR LETTER FROM MR. f. IV. STEVENSON.
Gan-kHng, Nov. 25th, 1886.
Dear Brethren, — In compliance with Mr. Taylor's
wish, I have much pleasure in reminding you that we
propose, as in years gone by, to set apart the last day of
the year for united fasting and prayer, to seek increased
blessing upon each member of the China Inland Mission
and upon the work God has so graciously put into our
hands.
It is generally felt that we have come to a critical
point in the history of the Mission. God has, in answer
to prayer, given us openings in most of the interior
provinces, and also supplied us with men and women in
some measure to occupy them.
Our beloved Director has also during this year made
arrangements for the subdivision of responsibility and for
the more efficient carrying on of the work through pro-
vincial superintendents.
But, beloved fellow labourers, these things are but the
scaffolding to assist us in our building.
We cannot keep it too prominently before us that our
great object is not the mere opening of stations, or the
multiplication of missionaries, but the salvation of Chinese
men and women.
We are sent by the Master to make disciples and to
be fishers of men. We are literally where " Satan's
seat is," and this strong man armed is not to be lightly
dispossessed of his castle.
If our blessed Lord were to visit us in person in this
land, would His words not be as of old, "This kind
goeth not forth but by prayer and fasting " ? not by prayer
merely, but by prayer and fasting.
The failure — if failure there be — must not be sought for
either in the Gospel or in the Mighty Saviour, nor,
indeed, even in the Chinese, for " Christ came not to call
the righteous, but sinners."
Our circumstances resemble those of the disciples in
the case of the lunatic in Matthew xvii. ; the difficulties
arose from unbelief in the disciples, and not from the case
itself.
And so, dear brethren, let us give ourselves to prayer
and fasting, that all unbelief may be cast out by the
mighty incoming of the Holy Ghost into our hearts.
Let us take the example of Ezra (viii. 21-23) or of
Daniel (ix. 23), and be sure that we, too, shall have cause
to say, " He was intreated of us."
My visit to South Shan-si this year has filled me with
32
CHINAS MILLIONS.
fresh hope, and new enthusiasm regarding the possibilities
that lie before our native brethren in this land.
It was delightful to find Chinese brethren giving them-
selves frequently to fasting and prayer, and also to notice
the influence such men had over their fellow-countrymen.
In order that we may be real leaders of men and
patterns to the flock, we need to give ourselves to much
heart searching, frequent fasting, and constant prayer.
Thus only shall we be able, like the Apostle Paul, to say
to our converts, "Those things which ye have both
learned and received and heard and seen in me, do."
Up to the middle of September, when I left South Shan-
si, over a hundred members had been added to the Church
this year, and there were between forty and fifty candidates
ready for baptism.
In Shen-si, Gan-hwuy, and Cheh-kiang, there have
likewise been considerable additions to the various
churches, as well as smaller accessions in other pro-
vinces.
These are very encouraging facts. A large amount of
work has been done in the far north, and a house has
been secured at Kwei-hwa-ch'eng, and settled work hope-
fully begun.
In Kan-suh, both at Ning-hsia and Si-niDg, mission
premises have been obtained.
Though there have been reverses in Sl-CH'UEN, that is
by no means cause for discouragement.
Our Enemy has little objection to anything which is not
likely to damage his kingdom ; but when he sees measures
initiated which under God's blessing will accomplish
great results, he is sure to oppose.
The coming out of twenty-two new workers — five of
whom are self-supporting — this year, is in itself no small
cause for thanksgiving.
Our needs are, however, so great that this increase has
appeared as nothing, and I would suggest that definite
prayer for not less than a hundred new workers during
1887 be offered on our fast day, and also that it be made
a subject of daily petition afterwards. " Hitherto have
ye asked nothing in My name : ask, and ye shmll receive,
that your joy may be full."
I remain, dear brethren,
Yours faithfully in Christ,
John W. Stevenson
Itinerant Mark amanrj % W&tsxam in |lhuig-sl
FROM MISS LILY WEBB.
JUNE 17th. — Before leaving Ta-ku-t'ang this morning
we read Rom. viii. together, and came away realising
that nothing could indeed separate from the love of God.
It is so glorious to know that we have the earnest prayers
of so many of God's children. We [Misses Macintosh,
Gray, Byron, and Webb] got comfortably settled in our
boat, and asked the Lord to bless and help us much on
our journey. We anchored about three p.m. at a village,
as there was no wind. When it got cool, Misses Gray,
Macintosh, and I went into the village to give our Master's
message to the women. Miss Gray stayed with a servant
in one house, while we went further with a woman, who
guided us to her home. Miss Macintosh spoke to a good
number, some of whom listened with great attention. Our
hostess then, after having given us tea, etc., led us to another
house, where still more listened to the old, old story. Our
guide announced us at some distance by calling out our
ages / and a good deal of what she had heard. After a
while, she took us to another house, telling them, too, our
mission ; thus the good news had been taken in by at
least one listener, for she was anxious others should hear,
saying eagerly, " Tell them, too ; tell them, too."
In the evening we had prayers with the men on our
boat, and numbers from the boats around came and
listened with great attention, and went away quietly.
June igth. — We had no wind to-day, so the poor men
had to row all the time. We are anchored at a small
fishing village. Miss Gray and I went out to speak to
the people. We were invited by an old woman to sit
down in her shop ; crowds followed us, all eager to see as
much of us as they could, as they had never seen a foreign
woman before, and naturally we were a curiosity to them.
We sat still for some minutes, allowing them to criticise
us as much as they pleased. After some time of waiting
for a lull in the hum of voices, Miss Gray tried to speak,
but they were still too excited to listen. Our hostess got
vexed with them, and taking our hands, led us slowly
away to the principal tea-shop of the place. We were
invited by the master to sit down ; he immediately gave
us tea and cakes, at the same time telling us not to be
afraid. Crowds gathered round the house, all very
amicably disposed, with no more mischievous purpose
than to have a good look at us. Miss Gray tried to
speak to a group of women in the corner, but it was still
difficult to gain their attention. The master of the shop
then told us politely that as the people were still coming,
we had better return to the boat. Some gospels and
tracts were sold, which we followed with prayer. We had
a nice talk to the people who followed us, especially with
one boy, who came all the way. We find ourselves
anchored by the same boat as last night, and the dear
woman had not forgotten what Miss Macintosh had told
her. I wish you could have seen her eager face as she
listened again to the " good news." Her husband also
seemed interested.
June 20th. — We did not go on to-day, being Sunday ; we
have had a glorious day. The boy I spoke of yesterday,
as having a talk with Miss Gray, came to the boat about
noon, and asked us to go to his home, to see his mother
and sisters ; it was too hot then, so we told him we would
go later. He came back twice, and led us round a back
way into the house, not to attract the attention of too
many people. A number of women were waiting for
us. Soon they listened quietly and attentively, while Miss
Gray spoke to them. Miss Byron also had a group in
her corner. There was a dear old woman of eighty-eight
years old, who took my hand and said, " You are all so good,
I love you all." A messenger then came, and said a
mandarin's wife wanted to see us. Numbers of women
followed us there, begging us to return and tell them
more. The ladies listened attentively, and understood
our sisters wel. On our way back to the boat, we were
invited into another house, where about fifteen women
came to hear. We went away full of praise to the Lord
for so opening up our way. There was a smile for us
from nearly every woman we passed, and the men were
very quiet. The captain of our boat came out to protect
us ; I suppose he thought we might need it ; we are so
CHINA'S MILLIONS.
delighted at the interest he shows in the Gospel. In the
evening we were still anchored alongside of the boat of our
friend of the previous nights, and had a nice time with her.
Jiaie list. — We started with a strong head wind this
morning, but could not go far, as it was too hard work for
the men, so we put back to our little port ; it was rather
trying, but we felt the Lord had a purpose in it, and we
would wait and see what it would be. The wind continued
the same, and about 1 1 o'clock a young gentleman, from
the mandarin's house we visited yesterday, came with
cards inviting us to go and see them again. We went in
the afternoon (Misses Gray, Macintosh, and I). We were
received kindly into the house, and given tea and cakes.
Our hearts were cheered, indeed, by the eagerness shown
by some of the ladies to learn as much as they could,
especially the old T'ai-T'ai, who seemed to understand so
well. We had been in the house about an hour-and-a-
half, when the captain came to say there was a very good
wind and they wanted to go on. We went ; I need not
say we were all fully satisfied as to the purpose the Lord
had in keeping us. Our friends in the village told Ah-ho
to ask us to return, they would like to see us again.
Kivei-k'i,Ju?te 17th. — It has been raining all the week,
so we have not been able to go out, but we have had a
nice time with the women here to-day — Miss Macintosh
and Miss Byron in the forenoon, and Miss Gray and I
this afternoon. Each time numbers came and heard the
Gospel ; we were delighted by the eagerness of the Chris-
tians to hear more themselves, and also to tell the others.
Ho-Ic eo,JiineTpth. — We arrived here this morning, where
Misses Macintosh and Byron have left us ; Miss Gray
and I quickly took possession of our new quarters, and
you would have been amused at the sweeping, cleaning,
and white-washing which the place soon underwent, and
in which we were heartily helped by the two sons of the
evangelist. We had a good laugh at our proceedings.
They asked us if we would like some more air in our bed-
room, on hearing our answer in the affirmative, they
immediately pushed out a part of the wall into the street,
while we stood looking on almost mute with astonishment.
However, it gave us more air, so it was all right.
July 1st. — We have had a very good day with the women,
who came in numbers all the afternoon, and listened
well to the story of Christ's love. We were so thankful
they were not afraid of us, but on the contrary, mounted
our ladder and sat down with us with the greatest
confidence.
July 2nd. — We have had a number of women to-day,
who invited us to their homes, where we are going to see
them. The evangelist here is a very earnest Christian, he
speaks to the people nearly all day long with all his heart ; a
number come daily to morning and evening prayers.
Ho-k'eo, July 81/1. — We have had much to praise the
Lord for to-day. Last night was very noisy, loud voices
echoing through the streets all night long ; but we were
kept in perfect peace, although we were not able to sleep
much. We both prayed so much for our poor Chinese
sisters in this place. This morning some women came
directly after breakfast and were so nice, some of them
seem to trust us much more than others, but we think
they will all learn to have confidence in us in time. All
through the day groups came and listened attentively to
the Gospel ; it all seems so new and strange to them yet.
July 10I/1. — We have been much encouraged to-day,with
the number of women who have been to see us, and
listened with the greatest attention to what we said to them.
There was one group in whom we felt particularly in-
terested : there were about six women with some children
coming from a place some distance off, at first they were
naturally curious to examine into all our belongings and as
we allowed them to do this very freely they were soon satis-
fied that we had nothing mysterious hidden away. Then
they sat down quietly and just drank in with such eager-
ness what Miss Gray said to them ; especially one woman
was so anxious to grasp as much ot the truth as she
possibly could, asking, " How do you worship this true
God ? Can we all do it ?'' Miss Gray knelt down, praying
for a few minutes that God would help them to under-
stand about His great love for them, and that it was really
meant for them if they believed it. We were so pleased
at the silence of all the women while the prayer was
being offered, no one spoke, but all stood looking on,
astonished that we could thus speak to our God. The
dear woman who was so interested seemed to grasp it
well ; a few minutes after, putting her hands together and
shutting her eyes, she said " Is this the way I can worship
Him?" Then adding, " I am afraid I shall forget all you
have told me ; will you write it down, so that I can get
some one at home to read it to me ? "
July 1 il/t. — We have had another good day with the
women. A nice number came this morning ; a great
many wanted us to go to their houses, which we are
hoping to do, but the heat is very great just now, so we
cannot go out in the middle of the day. This afternoon
Miss Gray and I went downstairs to see the evangelist's
wife, who has been ill. We had such a happy time with two
Christian women over the xiv. of John ; they seemed so
glad at the thought that Jesus has really gone to prepare
a place for them, and is coming again for all His people.
July i8t/i. — We were so disappointed not to be able to
reach Ho-k'eo yesterday, on our return from a very nice
visit to Fuh-shan, where the work is, indeed, very
encouraging, numbers of women come every day to listen
to the Gospel.
July 2^th. — We are anchored at a large village about
ten or twelve It from Ho-k'eo. This afternoon we went
on shore. The people we met seemed frightened of us,
and we walked on until we came to an old woman sitting
by the roadside. Miss Gray began a friendly chat with
her, and very soon others gathered round. They all
seemed particularly interested in us, and for some minutes
did nothing but discuss us loudly amongst themselves.
However, after a series of questions, they were more
satisfied, and listened attentively to our message.
After we returned to our boat, three different families
sent us presents of tea, and we sent them two Gospels
each, which they seemed very pleased to have.
July 26I/1. — We arrived at Ho-k'eo this morning, and
find the men have got on so nicely with our house, which
will be exceedingly comfortable and clean when it is
finished. To-night we hired one of the women of this
place as a servant.
July 29//;. — Miss Gray and I went on shore on the
opposite side of the river, where there is quite a small
town. We were invited into one house, where a good
many people collected, and we had a nice time with them.
Many seemed interested, especially one or two old
women, who drank in eagerly all that was said. They
always listen so anxiously to know if the good news is
really for them. One of the women then took us further
into the town, and we were invited to sit down in a shop.
However, we were unable to speak there, as the people
gathered in such numbers, and were too excited to listen.
August 2nd. — We arrived at Kwei-k'i this afternoon,
and had an interesting time in our boat with some women
who came in to see us.
August yd. — Miss Gray and I went on shore today
at a lovely village— it consisted of a colony of about
twenty houses, surrounded by a wall made of mud — and
such beautiful scenery all round. The people were so
amazed when they saw us, but after a little time timidly
ventured near us. They became quite friendly, and were
34
CHINA'S MILLIONS.
very interested in us, inviting us to go into their houses.
I believe before we left them several of the women, and
one or two men grasped the outline of our message.
They understood most of what Miss Gray said to them,
though some of them spoke with such a queer accent that
even Ah-ho could not understand them.
August St/i. — This afternoon we went out to a village
where the people had never seen foreigners before, and
indeed they seemed scarcely to have heard of them, for
they were very doubtful as to what species we belonged
to, until our woman assured them we were really women.
I shall never forget the frightened look on the face of the
first woman we met, she went into a house and called an
old woman, who summoned up courage to meet us,
coming out with a rake in her hand. However, as usual,
a f ter a short time, they became reassured, and listened to
what we told them, although I am afraid they were too
excited to take much in. But it is so comforting to think
that at all these places we are preparing the way a little
for others to follow. The LORD is able to work in the
hearts of these simple village people, and we will go for-
ward and prayerfully trust Him to bless the word already
spoken.
August gt/i. — We arrived at Kwei-k'i this morning
about ten o'clock. The Christians of the place were not
long in learning of our arrival, and assembled to meet us
and give us a hearty welcome. We had a nice time with
them in the women's little room until numbers of the out-
side women came in, and the place became too crowded,
so the evangelist invited us into the chapel, where we
got them all quietly seated. There were a good number
of men on the other side, so that the place was soon full.
Miss Gray and I were invited to sit down at the top of
the chapel, and we had such a nice little service ; all the
people listened so well for a long time. When it was
over we still stayed talking with the people for some time,
and then returned to our boat. The work at Kwei-k'i is
so encouraging. The evangelist never loses an oppor-
tunity of speaking, even when walking along the street.
Last week an old woman, of over sixty years, believed
the Gospel, after being a vegetarian (or twenty years.
We had several talks with her, and she seems so bright.
The wife of the man Mr. Thompson baptised when
passing through was so nice ; they have a large family,
and we are told they all believe the Gospel. We
are hoping to visit all the Christian women in their homes
to-morrow, so that we may get to know them better. Wc
cannot get veiy close to them amongst the numbers who
come to the chapel. The weather is very hot ; but the
Lord is keeping us in good health, for which we praise Him.
August loth. — About ten o'clock one of the Christian
women came to show us the way to the different friends'
homes. We had thought and hoped that we should be
able to go quietly there and have a nice little talk with
them ; but we soon found out we were to have a different
sort of reception. At the first house the room was soon
crowded with outside people, who were exceedingly in-
terested in watching us take the dessert which had been
prepared for us ; but Miss ( ".ray was able to speak to them
and invite them to go to the chapel before we left. At the
next two houses we were received and entertained in
shops ; here, of course, numbers of people from the
streets collected round the house to see us, and the evan-
gelist who accompanied us spoke to them and invited
them to go and hear the Gospel at his house. The excite-
ment caused by our visits had by this time reached the
mandarin, who sent two of his officials to inquire for our
passports. The chief official politely told us he feared
the people would insult us ; we told him we were not
afraid ; our passports were in the boat, and we would send
them. He then exhorted the people to be quiet, and went
away quite satisfied. We visited two other houses where
the people still flocked to see us ; but all through the day
they were very quiet, although we walked through a good
portion of the city. We were so impressed by the kind-
ness of all the Christians — each one had previously pre-
pared refreshment for us, and all were so delighted to see
us. Miss Gray and I think it would be nice to invite the
Christian women to our boat to-morrow, when we shall
hope to have a quiet time with them. We are so glad to
have been seen by so many people in the city, and also
that they should have seen us trying to make ourselves
one with their own women. I believe the Lord will
greatly bless the faithful work of our native brother in
Kwei-k'i ; he is so bright and earnest, and so quiet and
polite to the people.
August i \th. — Our guests this morning, as Ah-ho laugh-
ingly remarked, were " Not few," and you will understand
we were kept busy for some time in supplying our twenty-
three visitors with the fifteen different kinds of dessert we
had for them, besides unlimited cups of tea. The Chris-
tian women greeted us with the one word " Peace," on
entering, and we thought it was so nice. I think the
boatmen must have thought we intended to take their
boat by storm, for there was very little space that was not
taken up. After some time of continued and pressing
exhortations to the women to "eat," they seemed satis-
fied ; then we sang some hymns together, and the evan-
gelist, who was sitting with Ah-ho at the back of the
boat, spoke so nicely to us all ; then we had prayer, and
after a hunt for paper and string to tie up the dessert for
our guests to take away, they departed, all seeming
well pleased with their visit. We were exceedingly
pleased too, and thank our Master for giving us such
a nice time with them. We are looking forward to good
times amongst these dear women at our next visit to
Kwei-k'i. There are two women, who live about fifteen li
away, whom we shall try and visit next time, when the
weather will be cooler.
August K)t/i. — Last Saturday morning, before we
arrived at Ho-k'eo, it began to rain very heavily ; we
were glad to see it, as we were told the country was
greatly in need of rain. It continued to pour all day on
Sunday, and on Monday morning we came to our home
and found the river had risen so much that there was
only about two feet to our front door instead of the usual
high bank. Still it rained, and in the evening the first
door was impassable. After praying that if it were God's
will the rain might stop, we went to bed. However, wc
had not been long asleep when we heard the evangelist
and family bringing their things upstairs ; we found the
water had reached the second storey, and the floors of
their rooms were getting wet. We asked the evangelist's
wife to come and sleep in one of our beds as it would be
a long time before morning, but they had not finished
bringing up the things, so she preferred helping them.
As soon as everything was safely up we heard Ah-ho,
with the evangelist and family, pleading with God to stop
the rain and we joined them in our room. I did not sleep
again, but spent most of the time at the window watching
for the morning, when we hoped it would clear. But our
Father's time had not come yet, and at nine o'clock some of
the houses around us were in great danger, and several
others, with their contents, were being carried rapidly down
the river, which was rising steadily each moment, the moun-
tain torrents on the opposite bank dashing violently into
it. This continued till about 1 1.30, when, to our joy and
thankfulness, the sky cleared and the rain ceased. I
began at once to look for the water to decrease, for it was
three feet deep in the second storey already, but it con-
tinued to rise hour after hour until it was over the roofs
of the houses on both sides of us.
CHINA'S MILLIONS.
35
All our things were moved from our bedroom facing
the river and taken into the front rooms, which were
i\ feet higher, as it was likely that if the houses on either
side of us fell it would shake our house and make it very
dangerous. A ladder was then placed over from one of our
front windows to a window of the opposite house so that
if the water should rise high enough to come in at our
to help, and of course He will hear us. So we felt too,
only we thought He might want to try us to see how far
we would trust Him. We were perfectly happy, for
knowing that our Father had all the water in "the
hollow of His hand," we were very sure He would not let
one drop too much come.
About six o'clock, when the water was within three feet
A WHEELBARROW RIDE.
bedroom windows we might escape into the opposite
house.
When everything was ready for us to leave if it became
necessary, we quietly waited and prayed. It was delight-
ful to see the peace and faith of the native Christians.
Ah-ho was so bright, saying all along that he felt sure
God would stay the water. He said, " When God wanted
you to come quickly to Ho-k'eo, He gave you a wind
which brought you in one day ; we have asked Him now
of the roof of our house at the back, they told us the
water had stopped rising. How we all thanked our
Father ! Not a drop had come into our bedroom or into
the top storey at all, while the house on one side had all
the back part washed in, and that on the other side part
entirely washed away. I believe not a stone or piece of
wood of our house was carried away, though the lower
part was more or less damaged. We went to bed that
night exceedingly tired, but very thankful. It began to
36
CHINA'S MILLIONS.
rain again, but in the middle of the night when we awoke
it was beautifully clear and bright, and the water had
decreased considerably.
We can hardly believe to-day, now it is getting dry
downstairs, that it is only two days ago that we were in
such danger ; the LORD was so near all the time ; we have
indeed proved our Father's loving care over us. Altogether
more than seventy houses have been washed away, and
there has been great loss of life. Many of the houses are
still in great danger from the foundations having been so
er.tiely soaked. All along the banks of the river is
one scene of desolation and ruin. Oh, that God would
use this to arouse the people of Ho-k'eo ! I believe they
have not had such a flood for seventy-eight years, and
never in this month. It makes our hearts ache to think
of the many homes which are left desolate. We thank
God so much for Ah-ho, who has been such a comfort and
help to us ; the evangelist and his wife were so kind too.
Last night it was reported that there were thieves about,
who were anxious to pay us a visit, but we left ourselves
in our Father's hands, and both had the best night's sleep
we have had since we have been in Ho-k'eo.
August 12nd {Sunday). — To-day has been the first
time since the flood that the roads have been at all pass-
able to go out, consequently we had no women to see
us last week — all the people have been so busy cleaning
their houses and furniture. Our own rooms, of course,
were turned upside down, as all our belongings are packed
in boxes, and the evangelist and family occupy part of
our rooms. However, we have been much helped by the
Lord to have a good week of study, and we are hoping
to get things a little in order to-morro*'. We have had
three such nice little Chinese services upstairs to-day, as
it will be some little time before the chapel can be used
again, owing to the earthen floor having been so sodden
with water that it has to be dug up and arranged afresh.
Miss Gray went out this afternoon and visited two houses,
and the people listened very well indeed.
August 23rd. — We have been busy rearranging our
little house to-day, and have got a dozen small bamboo
chairs, which are 35 (! !) cash (i}d.) each, to accommodate
the many visitors we are hoping to get. We think our
friends at home might be glad to get a comfortable, strong
chair for lid. We have had a few women to-day, but
the majority are still busy with their house-cleaning.
August 2\th. — Much encouraged by the earnest way
some of the women listened to the Gospel.
August 2&t/i. — We went out this morning for a walk
through the town. We do so want the people to get used
to seeing us, so that they may get confidence in us and
come constantly to visit us. As we were returning home
we were asked into a large house, where a number of
families seemed to live.
September qt/i. — We are pleading much with the LORD
for the women of Ho-k'eo, and He will answer prayer,
though the reaping-time may not come for some time.
The chapel has been opened again for some days. Last
Sunday afternoon the evangelist preached very faithfully
to some men who professed to be Christians, but who still
kept their shops open on Sunday. He told them that if
they walked so inconsistently, outside people, seeing their
walk and knowing of their profession, would not believe
in the truth of the Gospel. There was one man there
who had professed Christianity for some years, and when
he heard Mr. Tong speaking so plainly he got vexed, and
spoke very angrily; but Mr. Tong did not retract one word
that he had said, because it was only too true, so the man
left the chapel. We all followed him with prayer that
the Holy Spirit would move his heart to repent, and if
he were really a Christian, to show a little of CHRIST'S
life in his walk.
September iot/1. — To-day we have called at several
villages along the river, and had good opportunities to
tell of Christ's love. The first place was a good-sized
village we had visited before, so of course the people
recognised us, and many greeted us with a friendly smile.
We had a good time in two different houses, and Mr.
Tong's son, who accompanied us, preached the Gospel
very faithfully and plainly to the men, some of whom
were interested and bought some books. May the LORD
bless the word spoken in that village, for His own name's
sake. Further on down the river Miss Gray and I went
on shore again at some villages ; they did not see us
coming till we reached the houses, except one man whom
we met and spoke to on the way, and who led us to his
home. All the people in the village came to see us, and
were very friendly, although they appeared a little
frightened at first. They listened attentively to what we
told them. None of them could read in that village, but
we left a Gospel and some tracts, and asked them to get
some one from a large village near to read to them ;
there was one man especially who was so eager to hear
all he could, and appeared to take it in. At another house
there was a very old woman, who looked at us so won-
deringly ; we both spoke gently to her about Christ's
love for her, but she shook her head so sadly as if to tell
us we were too late for her. As we went on to tell her if she
believed on jEsrs it was not too late, the tears rolled
down the poor old woman's cheeks as she repeated the
words herself. Thus we had to leave her, and our hearts
ached as we thought that soul might soon go down to a
Christless grave.
We went to a village a little further on, and spoke
to the people and sold all the Gospels we had On the
way we had a talk with some boatmen who ran up the
bank to see us. Some of them bought Gospels. So,
grain by grain, we sow the seed and pray that it may some
day spring up and bear fruit.
September nth. — This morning, about ten o'clock, Miss
Gray and I went on shore and walked through the streets
of I-yang Hien. To say the least of it, we certainly made
a great impression on the people. A good many followed
us.. The streets were very busy and crowded, and we had
quite to thread our way amongst the coolies. After we
had returned to our boat, the mandarin sent down a paper
saying that he would protect us. I wish he only knew
of the One Great Protector we have.
September \2th. — We went on shore this morning to
the service, and directly afterwards an invitation c<ime
from the military ya-men to go and visit the ladies there.
When we arrived at the outer court we had to stay while
our cards were taken in ; the man soon returned with
two of the T'ai-t'ai's cards for us, the middle doors of the
inner court were opened, and we were escorted into the
hall, where we were met by the mandarin and T'ai-t'ai,
who took us into a beautiful guest room. Miss Gray and
I lifted our hearts to the Lord to help us, as we hail never
been in these circumstances before. The mandarin was
very polite and sociable. In a little while we were seated
on a sort of raised platform, on two conspicuous seats,
where they brought us cakes and tea. By this time a
good many ladies and gentlemen had gathered in the
room, and after a good many questions had been asked
and answered and compliments passed, Miss Gray told
them the Gospel, and thev all listened very attentively,
and I did pray, while my sister was speaking, that the
LORD would bless the wed. We do praise God that
they have all heard. We left a Gospel there, which they
promised to read. One of the ladies has taken opium
for a great many years, and now is very anxious to give
it up, so we have promised to send her some medicine.
September 1 ;,///.— We came up to the house this morn-
CHINA'S MILLIONS.
37
ing and arranged our things in our little home ; soon
after some women came, and we had a nice time with
them ; a good many heard the Gospel. After dinner
another invitation came from another ya-men, and we
went. After the same waiting at the court as the day
before, we were led into a very nice room with the ladies.
They were so nice, and very soon made us feel quite at
home. They all sat round a table with us, and took
refreshments, talking so kindly all the time. In a little
while the old mandarin came in, and after bowing to us,
sat down and talked to us. He was such a nice, kind
old man. In a few minutes Miss Gray began to tell the
ladies why we had come to China, and they said, " Oh, do
tell us, we have never heard this Gospel, and we should
like to know ! " The mandarin sat and listened very
attentively. I think they understood every word Miss
Gray said to them, they asked us to come every day to
tell them. After slaying an hour we went away, and we
do pray that the Lord will bless the word spoken in that
home for Jesu's sake.
September 14th. — We have had such a busy day to-day.
This morning, directly after Chinese prayers were over, Miss
Gray and I started in barrows, with our woman and three
native Christians, to visit some villages. At the first village
where the men stopped, the women all collected under
some trees to see us. At first they were very frightened at
us, but after a little time ventured to speak. Before we
went away, they all heard the Gospel, and, perhaps, they
will come into Kwei-k'i to hear more. We then went on
some distance further, till we came to a temple where an
old man lived who was very interested in the Gospel, and
was anxious for his wife to hear it too. Poor old woman !
I felt so sorry for her. After she had got over the busi-
ness of getting us tea, etc., she sat down and listened to
us, but she evidently thought her merit was great, for had
she not been a vegetarian for more than twenty years ?
She did not seem to mind at all, when we told her that
her own merit really could not save her. May the Lord
Himself lead her into the true light. Before leaving, we
pasted up some Gospel tracts about the temple, as it is a
resting-place for men on their journeys ; we pray that
many may be awakened through reading them. We again
started on our road over solid rocky hills to a little town
— such a quiet little town — the people did not know
of our arrival till we were almost in the middle of the
place. When it was once known, however, ot course
it was not long, all the inhabitants crowded round
us. We were invited to sit down in the street, and
given tea. For some time it was impossible to speak to
them, as the loud hubbub all around would drown any
attempt on our part. The native Christians separated, and
each had a group of men to speak to ; in a little while we
were able to speak to the women next us, and a good
many seemed interested. As we were going away we
were invited into a very nice house, where we had such a
good time with two women, They showed us how they
worshipped their idols, and asked us how we worshipped
our God. I think nearly all the town must have heard
the Gospel. Many times on the road, at the different
halting-places, Ah-ho had opportunities of speaking,
which he eagerly grasped.
September i$th. — Miss Gray had a good time with the
Christian women this morning in the chapel ; it will be so
nice when more of them are baptised ; some of them are
very bright. This afternoon we visited the Uang family ;
they are so kind and always seem so glad to have us.
September \6th.-A. great many women came to Chinese
prayers this morning, some of them did not stay all the
time, but a good many came afterwards and stayed a long
time. About one o'clock an invitation came from the first
ya-men we had visited. We went directly, and this time
we were taken right into the ladies' apartments, the ladies
from the other ya-men were there too, also another lady
from another part of the city. They asked us to stay to
the evening meal, and as we thought it would be a good
opportunity to help them, we gladly accepted the invita-
tion to stay all day. Hsiang T'ai-t'ai went out with us a
little way, and introduced us into another mandarin's
house. Soon after our return to the first house, we had
such a nice time with Hsiang Siao-tsi, who had been so
interested the time before ; she had not forgotten a word,
and seemed so anxious to hear all she could. As she
knew the character well, we left one of our Testaments
with her, which she promised to read every day to the
other ladies. There was a grand feast spread in the even-
ing, and the ladies were all so kind and sociable to us.
They begged us not to consider ourselves as guests, but
to make ourselves at home, and to go to see them as often
as we could. We both feel there is a real interest
awakened in that house ; it is so wonderful how they seem
to trust us already. We are pleading with the LORD to
bless His Word there, they were so glad to have the
Gospels and said so often "We really do believe this is all
true, and want to understand it."
FROM MISS BYRON.
CHANG-SHAN, October yth.—l am comfortably
settled now, and this house is very nice. Miss
Macintosh stayed with me when I first came for nine days
till I got straight, and then went on to Yuh-shan I have
a class three times a week, to which the Christians come,
and some others who are interested. Tuesdays, Thursdays,
and Sundays are the class days. On Wednesdays and
Saturdays I see those who want medicine. I charge
twenty cash (less than a penny) to all who come the first
time, and for that twenty cash I continue to see them and
give them medicine until they are well. On Wednesday
last I received 320 cash ; the patients seemed very
pleased to pay it, and it prevents them from throwing the
medicine away, and also helps me to renew the stock.
Mondays and Fridays I keep for visiting, and either
selling or giving away Gospels and tracts. Although this
is a small station, how many there are who have never
heard the Gospel ! I am too busy at present to be lonely,
but for the work's sake, that more may be done, I am sure
you will not forget to send a sister as soon as possible.
October 22nd. — On Sunday I had a class of forty-three
women, who sat all the time and listened to the end.
FROM MISS
YUH-SHAN, October \Zth.— You see I am back in
Yuh-shan again. I have been visiting some of the
villages here, and have been kindly received. A good
many women come here in the afternoons. I have not
been out much in the city yet, but intend giving this week
to visiting.
There is a great deal of sickness and distress amongst
the people, owing to the late flood, and now for six weeks
MACINTOSH.
past there has been no rain, and the crops have suffered
in consequence. The mandarins daily go to the temples
to pray for rain. Yesterday we had a very slight shower,
but since then the sun has been as hot as ever. I am
afraid the people will suffer a great deal from want this
year.
Though I am here alone, I do not feel one bit lonely,
the ever-present, never failing, unchanging Friend is here.
38
CHINA'S MILLIONS.
FROM MISS BARCLA Y.
AUGUST 12th.— On Monday, 2nd, Miss Marston and
I set out for our first visit to the villages near here.
We stayed where Mr. and Mrs. Hunt stayed last year
until Friday. We had such real good times among the
women, I think one gets to love the work better ; the old,
old story seems more wonderfully sweet. And some
understood so well, though we could only go once to see
them. Miss Marston and I generally went into different
houses, so as to make the most of the time. Some women
came to see us two or three times, and they wanted us
very much to go again soon, which I hope one of us will
be able to do.
But it is not only in the villages that we get such good
congregations. Yesterday we went to see a little girl in
another part of the city, and there, too, we were quite be-
sieged ; indeed, I had rather too many. In one place —
there must have been a dozen families — the room was
full of people, all talking, so I could not tell them much.
Two or three listened well ; this is generally the case.
We believe the Lord guides us to the right ones.
I have one thing more to tell that you will be very glad
to hear. We quite think that our servants, the man and
his wife, are saved. There had been a difference in them
for some time, and they had been saying quite spon-
taneously that they really ought to be Jesus' disciples, but
what settled it was Mrs. Ho's illness. She was vety ill
for a few days, and, at first, was much afraid she might
die, and did not know where she would go. This lasted
two or three days, and then her husband said to her,
" Didn't Jesus die for us ; you pray to Him, He will hear."
She seems to have trusted Him then, for ever since she
has had no fear, and takes any opportunity of telling other
people the story of how she asked Jesus to save her, and
He did. They both speak very decidedly, and want to be
baptised. Is not this a token for good ?
My little scholars still come every day to the class ; two
of them hardly ever miss. I find they tell at home what
they learn. One little blind girl remembers the hymns
very well. Yesterday her elder sister came for the first
time, and was able to repeat nearly all of " There is a
happy land," which the little one had taught her.
A very sad thing happened in this street this week. A
young girl, about fifteen, had been treated very unkindly
by her mother-in-law, beaten until the skin was nearly all
off her arm, and she was too ill to eat ; but still she had
to go on with her work. Yesterday they found she had
poisoned herself with opium. What dreadful things are
done in China!
The wife of a small mandarin, who is staying at an inn
close by, came to spend the day with us on Thursday.
She is the second of four wives, and she told us that last
year the third and fourth wives had a quarrel, and the
result was that they both killed themselves with opium.
At the Mohammedan house (Mr. Hunt's last opium
case), the women receive us well. The old mother has
three daughters-in-law, with whom she is not very good
friends, so will not goto their rooms, or allow them in hers.
Last Thursday the young women listened very attentively.
Poor things ! They are too respectable to be allowed
outside the door ; what a difference it will make if they
have Jesus for their Friend. The old woman says she
used to be a sinner, but now, as she is getting on in years,
she feels she needs to do some good works, so gives
money away and sees that her whole family believe in
God (so she says), and she feels quite satisfied with her
own merits.
Mrs. Hunt has been with us to several houses. She
went with me on Wednesday to the Mohammedan
house. They were, of course, delighted to see her, as they
are so grateful for the trouble Mr. Hunt took over the son
who took opium ; they could not make enough of her.
I feel hopeful about those daughters. If they did not
care about the Gospel, they would hardly be so anxious
for us to go often to see them. But how many times
people get interested and then go back without coming
to the point of decision. It makes one tremble. What a
terribly real enemy we have ! One realizes it more here,
I think.
ftatonan's Wtmh hi ifec ^i-rbucit ilrobuue.
FROM THE DIARY OF MISS BUT LAND.
CHEN-T'U, June yd. — This morning had a long time
with women who called. Five of them had not been
before ; one old woman amongst them seemed especially
interested in the Gospel.
June z,th. — To-day two women came ; one, the old
woman mentioned on the 3rd, the other her sister, who
was even more interested. She is staying in the city for a
few days, and, on hearing of us, she thought she would
like to come and see and hear for herself. It was nice to
see this old woman of seventy, or more years. Before
they left she told me she would pray every day to GOD.
It is so seldom one meets a ready soul, that when one
does it quite cheers and helps one.
June 6//1. — By the time the meeting was over, quite a
number of women were waiting in the great room. Mrs.
Clarke went and talked to them till dinner-time ; they
waited while we had dinner, and then I went to them.
They were a most interesting company of women, willing
to believe and eager to understand the Gospel.
June ~tJi. — Was asked out to dinner by an old Chris-
tian woman, and had a nice talk with her landlady, a
young woman of twenty-five years, who seemed quite to
take a few simple truths of the Gospel.
June 2yd — Afternoon. The wife of a mandarin called
to know if Mrs. Clarke would go with the magic-lantern
to her house in the evening. I went with Mr. and Mrs.
Clarke, and we had a very pleasant evening. They had
invited some friends. The Scripture pictures, as they are
shown one by one, give good opportunities for telling
the Gospel. When all was over, and we were coming
away, one of the young ladies came up to me, and in a
veiy low voice, said, " Could I pray to God in my bed-
room t " Oh, how glad I felt to know that in that house
there was one impressed ! They have heard of the plan
of salvation more than once, and have also portions of
Scripture in their possession.
June 25///. — Morning. Went into the country with the
old woman. We had walked some distance, and were
CHINA'S MILLIONS.
39
rather hot, when we were asked by some women to sit
down and get cool before going any further. We were
glad to have this opportunity for telling them of the
Gospel ; quite a large number gathered, of both sexes.
As it was a kind of a resting-place by the country road,
a good number of coolies came and went ; one sat and
listened very quietly all the time, and just before we left,
he asked for a tract to read, as he said, " When it rained
and he had nothing else to do." Who knows, but in one
of those quiet times, God's Spirit will speak to him? In
the afternoon, as Mrs. Clarke had to go to the girls'
school, she asked me to go to the guest hall where two
women were waiting, who had called to hear the Gospel.
One was from the country, and had never been here
before ; she listened so nicely to all that was said to
her. They remained listening for more than an hour.
When they were leaving, the one from the country gave
me an invitation to her home. She has there a mother,
and several sisters, who would like to hear the Gospel.
I told her I would be very pleased to go at any time she
wished. I wonder shall I hear any more about it, I
often get like invitations, and nothing comes of them.
The Lord bless, to her soul's salvation, His spoken
Word.
July 3rd. — This morning such a number of women
called. I had such a happy, busy time with them. One
of them said, " I am nearly eighty years of age, and have
never heard of the True God till to-day." She listened
with attention that gladdened and refreshed me as I
told her of the Mighty and Loving One, who had died in
her stead, who now is living at God's right hand as her
Advocate.
July \th. — Lord's Day. A larger number of women
at the morning meeting than we have seen for some
time past. Amongst them was the old woman I men-
tioned yesterday, she had several of her friends with her.
She does seem really interested.
July 13th. — I found Mrs. Clarke entertaining two ladies
who had come in at the back of the house through a hole
in the wall, made by the heavy rains. These, our next
door neighbours, have lived there ever since foreigners
have been here ; but they have never, during those
years, been to see us. I asked them why ? Because they
would have to go on the street to enter. So the downfall
of the wall has been the opportunity for them to hear the
Gospel.
July 16I/1. — A large number of women called. When
they were going away, I said to one old woman, " You
will not forget what I told you ? " She said, " No, I shall
not be able to forget, and I shall go back and tell it to the
women of my village."
August 6th. — Sent my woman to see a Mrs. Tong, who
for many months has been coming to the meetings ; has
shown a good deal of interest, has given up idols, and
says she prays only to GOD. She has let the things of
this world keep her from openly confessing the Lord
Jesus. She said, as soon as her daughter was married, she
would like to be baptised. Well, her daughter was mar-
ried, but the poor woman was disappointed in the husband,
and this grieved her. Then she said she was owed some
money by different people, she must wait till it was
gathered in. We exhorted her not to be entangled in the
things of this life. She said she would like to be baptised
when the hot weather came, but now she is laid on a sick
bed. She sent a message to ask us and the native Chris-
tians to pray for her.
August gt/i. — Mrs. Tong has passed away. My woman
went to see her, and found her calling on God to receive
her soul. The day will reveal whether she did so from
a sincere heart or not.
August lyth. — While telling of a Saviour's love to
three women only one seemed impressed, but the Word
is, " Sow beside all waters."
August 7.1st. — Only one woman called. Oh, for an
outpouring of the Holy Spirit on these poor lost souls!
August 12nd. — On going to the women's class felt so
utterly weak, but the Lord gave me such a time of His
full presence while there.
ammxB Work xxt ^mx^un, l&ng-sit ^xtiiAmt
FROM MISS DAVIS,
I HAVE been drawn out very much in prayer lately
for China, and I believe there shall be great showers
of blessing soon, not only in Yang-chau, but in every
part of this land. I have been visiting Wang T'ai-t'ai's
house twice a- week, teaching her daughter the Romanised
system of reading ; she is such a dear girl, and a true
Christian, and so is her sister ; but the mother, I am sorry
to say, although an inquirer, is not yet willing to give up
her idols. We are praying much for her, and believe she
will soon yield. I go alone, except for my woman, so
I am obliged to well use my little knowledge of the
language ; it helps me a great deal, as in some way we
manage to understand each other. The mother welcomes
me most warmly. I do thank God for the love He gives
me for these dear women. I feel quite at home amongst
them already, and though my words are so few and broken,
they are all quite willing to hear them. I do long for the
time when I shall be able to tell them fully what is in
my heart. We have just heard that Wang Siao-tsi's
relations are determined to take her away from our
influence, and so probably the whole family will leave in
a few weeks ; but, as she said, " They cannot take Jesus
away, or me from Him." The last time I was there the
little sister, who often comes here, was listening as we were
speaking to her mother and brother, the latter answered
that he did not believe in Jesus, and that their little idol
was the right thing to worship. Upon this the little girl
said to him, " You often ask the idol for things, and he
never answers; but my God does. Don't you remember
when I lost my cat the other day, I prayed to my God,
and the cat came back ? So you see He is the true God
because He hears and answers." I thought this such a
beautiful little testimony from an eleven-years old Chinese
girl.
On Wednesday Miss McFarlaneand I accepted an in-
vitation to visit my teacher's house. The wife and mother
seemed delighted to see us, and listened eagerly ; they
have promised to come and hear more to-morrow.
On Monday three of us were invited to Li T'ai-t'ai's to
dinner. We went, and enjoyed it very much. I am quite
proud of the progress I make in using the chopsticks,
and enjoying the native food. Before dinner we had a
little meeting together, and a talk about Li T'ai-t'ai's
opium-smoking. She showed us her pipe and other
articles, which were lying on a tray by her bed. We have
often given her medicine, but after a short trial the habit
has made her yield. We have now invited her to come
and spend a week or two with us, after which, if she is
better, she has promised to give her opium-smoking
apparatus to us.
40
CHINAS MILLIONS.
On Tuesday we were called from study to an opium
case. Miss Clark went with me, and we found it to be
a young married woman of twenty, who had taken the
opium on account of a quarrel with her husband. She
seemed quite willing to recover, and .we soon had the joy
of another life saved. They were all very grateful to us,
and as I was sitting by the patient, she grasped my hand
and squeezed it so warmly. They prepared tea and
cakes for us, which we sat down to, that we might have
an opportunity of speaking about Jesus to the crowd
who had assembled. Our old woman told them most
touchingly about her conversion, and her face beamed
radiantly as she gave them instances of His love in answer-
ing prayer.
We have had a great many of these opium cases lately,
some at midnight. Last Sunday we visited several poor
huts. In one was a woman we had attended the night
before, she having taken the poison. She was lying on
a stool in a wretchedly dirty and small hut — so comfortless
— and she, poor creature, looked worse than all. On asking
her the cause of taking the opium, she told us with tears
that she was constantly quarrelling with her husband, and
her life was so miserable she wished to end it. She
listened as we told her of One who loved' her, and who
died to remove her present misery. My heart does ache
so for the thousands of poor women in China living hope-
less and joyless lives. Only the Spirit of God can reach
them. Oh, that we may be full of the Spirit !
FROM MISS CLARK.
GOD is still compassing us with mercy here in Yang-
chau. "Great is His faithfulness." Miss Say and
I have been to a new house to dinner. We first met our
new friend at Li Siao-tsi's birthday parly. We found
them a large and most interesting family. The way in
which they laid themselves out for our comfort was quite
touching, and one mother and daughter especially have
such dear kind faces and gentle manners. Visitors had
been invited, not to see the foreigners, but to hear of
Jesus, and all were most ready to listen to the message,
but there was no one who could speak fluently to give it
them. How it made me long for free utterance ! But I
was helped to lay hold of power for the moment's need,
and words were given, which were attentively listened to
and seemed to be well understood. I saw tears in one
woman's eyes. I believe the Lord Himself worked that
day. Some of the women have been here several times
since. The two following Sundays they spent nearly the
whole day here. We have since been to their houses too,
and we have every reason to trust that the seed has taken
root in some hearts.
One night, about three weeks ago, Miss McFarlaneand
Miss Say went to an agonising scene : two men from an
oil-shop were fearfully burnt ; from the first there was
very little hope of saving life, but all was done for them
that was possible. When Miss Say went the next morn-
ing she found that one had already died ; she made
another attempt to help the second man, but he only
lived till the afternoon. What sad, sad things we see and
hear of !
Shortly after this I went to a terrible opium case. A
young man was lying on the balcony of a mandarin's
house, with such a crowd all round. It was heart-rending
to see his struggles as his friends tried to force him to
take the medicine. He did take a full quantity, but we
had been called too late. I stayed for nearly four hours,
but there was no sickness, and when I left life was fast
ebbing away. This is the worst of the many cases which
we have had lately. Often we have the joy of knowing
that the means used are effectual.
The contrasts, the glad and the sad, are as quickly
written about as though they were only the lights and
shades of a picture ; but, oh ! how far they are from being
that. Some of them bright, others terrible realities, on
which who knows what may hang ? What rest that our
Father knows, and He reigneth.
FROM MISS McFARLANE.
I ENJOYED the journey to Tsing-kiang-p'u with Miss
Littler and Mr. M'Carthy very much, and we had the
privilege of telling the good news to many there and on
the way, but it was so sad to see so many large towns
and villages without one witness. It does make one pray
earnestly for more workers.
Miss Say and I visited some small villages on Saturday
last, about 20 U from Yang-chau. The people received
us very kindly, and after their curiosity had passed oft"
listened to our message. One woman thanked us so
heartily for coming, and said, " If you had not come I
should never have known! 1 She invited us to come again,
and stay with her three or four days. I hope we shall
soon be able to accept her offer.
You will be sorry to hear that Wang T'ai-t'ai's family
have gone to Su-chau ; they felt going, and we felt part-
ing with them very much. It is a rest to know that two
of them have tasted of a Saviour's love, and He will com-
plete the work He has begun.
Several candidates come every night to evening prayers,
and we have good times together. I do like to see them
coming, for it shows that they are eager to learn more
about Jesus.
gteprtows— Satibals,
OK January 27th Messrs. John Brock, Wm. Russell,
and John Darroch left for China by the P. and O.
steamer Chu-san, accompanied by Messrs. F. Dy.mond
and S. Pollard, who, while sent out by the Bible Chris-
tians, will, for the present, work under the direction of
the China Inland Mission.
Deeply interesting farewell meetings were held in
Scotland, at Exeter Hall, and in various parts of
London.
On February Sth J. Hudson Taylor, also Messrs.
Dorward and Cooper, with Mts. Nicoll, arrived at
Marseilles by French mail steamer. Mr. Taylor stayed
to visit Cannes, while the rest of the party reached
London on the nth.
China's Millions.
^KiiiiBilifillltfill
A PEKING CART.
% SMter to Jfruntrs.
" / ivill go before thee, and make the crooked places straight.''' — Isa. xlv. 2.
L HILE out in China serving the Lord amongst the many difficulties and per-
plexities of work in a heathen land, I received a text-card from two dear
friends, beloved and honoured for half a century's faithful service in several
quarters of the globe. The card bore their signatures and those of their
household, and has been much prized and treasured for their sakes. But
the message it brought was far more precious, a word of cheer from the
Master Himself, " I will go before thee, and make the crooked places
straight " ; and that word has been a feast to my soul and a pillow for my
head ever since, and is just as fresh and prized to-day, as it has been in the
months that are passed — among difficulties that have each seemed in turn to
be almost insurmountable. Satan would have us try to-day to bear to-morrow's burden
with only to-day's grace, and would dismay us with anticipation of troubles which loom in
the distance, leading us to disobey the directions, " Take no thought for the morrow " ; " Be
careful for nothing " ; but what a privilege it is to be permitted to rest upon the assurance,
" I will go before thee," thou shalt not be without a Guide, and " He that followeth Me shall
not walk in darkness," " I will make the crooked places straight," the rugged places plain,
and when thou comest up to them thou shalt find insurmountable difficulty already removed,
that thy foes, like Jehoshaphat's, have slain themselves, that thou hast to strip off the
spoils, and to make the valley one, not of conflict, but of praise— a Berachah.
april, 1887.
42 CHINA'S MILLIONS.
Again and again it has been so during the past two years in China, and doubtless many of
our friends at home can bear the same testimony. A difficulty in the family which they were
powerless to cope with, a perplexity in the profession or business, a spiritual difficulty, or
one connected with service for the Lord, has threatened to disturb the peace and to fill with dismay,
but it has been rolled upon the "Lord, and given over to Him to manage or arrange ; the command has
been obeyed, " In everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made
known unto God," and the promised peace of God garrisoning the heart has kept the care and worry
outside, until the time came to find the trouble bereft of its sting, the crooked place made straight.
And perhaps there are few of us who can look back even a short time without seeing that such cares
as have been borne ought to have been thus dealt with and dismissed. Let us seek now and evermore,
in childlike simplicity, to commit our " everything " to a loving Father's care and management, so that
we may practically in " nothing" be anxious, disturbed or worried.
I would fain in this first paper written since my return to England, refer to many matters in which
God's loving care has been experienced, but limited space and time require the postponement of some
of these until our annual meeting in the Mildmay Conference Hall on the 26th of May. Now I can
but briefly mention one or two points for our united thanksgiving. The addition of those whom God
sent out in response to the prayer for "the 70," so increased our numbers as to make the work of
superintending the whole in detail much more laborious and responsible, and made the prospect of my
return to England one of grave difficulty ; it was evidently imperative, with nearly double the number
of stations in which missionaries reside, to have some one, not too far away, willing and able to give
immediate counsel and help to the younger workers ; but to find the requisite number of competent
brethren willing to undertake all that this involved was no small matter. In this the Lord has gone
before us and made the crooked places straight. Ten of our senior brethren, as already announced,
have undertaken to superintend the work in larger or smaller districts, eight of whom have been
successful workers for periods varying from twelve to twenty-five years, while the other two have been
two or three times as long in the field as any of those working under their supervision. These ten
workers form an invaluable China council to assist me in the direction of the work in the field.
A great need, however, would have been still unmet had not God sent out our Brother Steven-
son, full of spiritual joy and power, and willing, when earnestly requested, to act as deputy-director.
God has greatly blessed our beloved brother, has made him helpful to many with whom he has come
in contact, and the letters I have received, full of thankfulness for his appointment, and of grateful
acknowledgment of the help of his visits, have been very delightful.
Before leaving China it was found possible for half the superintendents to meet together for the
purpose of conferring about minor arrangements, and to take measures for facilitating the study of the
language and the adoption of a regular course of study. The meetings of the council were preceded
by several days of fasting and prayer, and I cannot describe the blessing vouchsafed ; among other
things arrangements were made for the formation of training institutions for young brethren on arrival
at Gan-k'ing, and for sisters at Yang-chau. Mr. Bailer and Mr. Landale, with the assistance of four
very competent Chinese teachers, gave themselves at once to the preparation of suitable aids to the
course of study adopted, and we believe that without difficulty the new workers will in nine months,
with the missionary teachers and appliances now available, accomplish more than they could have
done in fifteen months without them.
Another important outcome of these meetings has been the prayer for the IOO new workers.
We must not attempt to give all the reasons that have led us to believe that it is the will of God that
we should ask definitely for this number, hoping and expecting that His "exceeding abundantly" will
prove much greater than our petition. We may say, however, that with the facilities for study above
alluded to, with over fifty stations, many of them inadequately supplied with members, with perhaps
half as many more out-stations needing foreign workers, and China marvellously open for evangelistic
work in nearly every one of its provinces, ICO this year would be a small supply. Our great
concern is that the right workers should be selected, and to ensure this we have put the choice into
the Master's own hands by faith. We began praying in China in November ; on reaching Marseilles
on the way home, we were delighted to hear that twenty-five had been accepted by the council, and on
arrival in England find that the number has been increased to thirty, while donations already received,
and the promises of five gentlemen to give ^500 each towards the .£5,500 which may be required for
100 outfits and passages, nearly cover half the amount. Should part of God's "exceeding abun-
CHINA'S MILLIONS.
43
dantly" come in the form of an additional fifty workers, He will provide for them also in due time.
One of our lady-evangelists has well expressed our prayers about " the ioo " : —
" Oh, send a hundred workers, Lord !
Those of Thy heart and mind and choice,
To tell Thy love both far and wide,
So will we praise Thee and rejoice.
And above the rest this note shall swell,
Our Jesus hath done all things well."
We want workers, not loiterers ; sent, GoD-sent ones; men and women selected by Himself and after
His own heart and mind, willing, skilful workers, to tell the story of His love in many an unreached
part of needy China. Not a few of our workers in China are singing this little verse daily at table
after a meal. Will not some of our friends join them ?
j*
Cm Dysons r §agtisctr at Csm-(%iu, Snutlj |kti-sitlj.
By the Rev. Henry Hunt.
HTS'IN-CHAU, Sept. 6th.— It is encouraging just before
* leaving this, our loved station, for home, to witness
the good confessions made by the few who have recently
desired baptism. At the beginning of this year the Lord
laid it on my heart— I know for His own glory— to ask
that ten souls might be won for Him before its close. At
Sunday worship lately, six have publicly confessed
Christ (two men and four women), and stated their
willingness to go through any suffering, even to death,
rather than give up Christ.
One old lady got up and walked across the room in her
enthusiasm, and another (her daughter) exclaimed, "I
have counted the cost, and no matter what comes I shall
stand, by GOD's help. Man can do no more than hurt
my body ; you will see." This woman's husband and
children are not far from the kingdom, and several others,
a silversmith in particular, need only the courage to
come forward. Four of the probationers have been
interested nearly two years. Could we look for much
brighter testimony from babes in Christian England ? To
God be all the praise and glory.
/ see more and more that if we abide in Christ we
must 7iot 07ily pray, but believe we are going to receive
what we have asked Jor— that it is on the way, and praise
accordingly.
Affairs are prosperous at all our Kan-suh stations, and
I believe bright and glorious days are in store. We want
THE LOVE OF CHRIST
shed abroad more and more in our hearts, for it is love,
love, LOVE, that brings miserable sinners to the feet of
Jesus. May He make His blessings just to rush through
us, His channels, to a thirsty world around, and lead
many to exclaim, " His blood is drink indeed ! "
Nov. ist.— This is the third time I have made this
journey within two months, and the third time I have
been delayed by much rain. Altogether, I have been
over this mountain road, by way of Feng Hien or Hwei
Hien, eight times, so I am about used to the dangers and
difficulties, which are by no means insignificant in wet
weather. Being shut up in a dirty Chinese inn cannot
shut up my joy in Christ, which is more now than it has
ever been, because I am finding out more and more
" The greatness of His loving heart. "
You are aware that less than a year ago the Lord laid
it on my heart to pray myself, and to ask others to pray,
for ten souls to be given in Ts'in-chau within twelve
months. Like His great loving Self, the good Father
gave the ten within ten months, and the "exceeding
abundantly " in the shape of four more probationers, for
He always gives interest, it would seem.
When I arrived at Ts'in-chau, after taking my wife and
baby to Han-chung, I was very happy in soul, but poorly
in body, having worn damp clothes on the road through
incessant rain, and I had an attack of dysentery in conse-
quence. But the loving, hearty reception given me by
the sisters and native friends was medicine in itself, and I
soon began to improve. The three sisters and I (for Miss
Kinahan had come up with me) had nightly meetings for
praise and prayer, and we opened our mouths wide.
In response the good and faithful Lord opened the win-
dows of heaven wide, and poured us out such a blessing
that we felt it almost too much for us. The Holy Ghost
fire, of course, extended to the natives, and there was
quite a revival. The six who had been entered as candi-
dates became bolder and happier than ever, and four
more came forward for baptism who have been believers
a long time, but had not had their names entered as
probationers. Three of these— glory to God! — are
scholars of the Sunday-school I started more than a year
ago, and now carried on by the sisters. The Si-ch'uen
family, five in number, are all converted, only one
member wishes to be more certain of his faith before he
is baptized ; the rest are bold, and just brimming over with
joy, none the less true for their genuine tears when I came
away. Two of the Christians are servants to our sisters.
The eldest of the ten is sixty-nine, the youngest, a dear
little girl, only seven. On Sunday, a meeting especially
for
the examination of the candidates
was held ; the answers of the ten were satisfactory on main
points of doctrine, though there was a little misunder-
standing as to the meaning of baptism, the character of
the Trinity, the reason why the Virgin Mary should not
be worshipped, etc. The old blind man, a protege' of
Miss Wilson's, remarked that he was truly sorry he had
not worshipped her, if it were right so to do, but " he had
never beeti taught so / " The Lord gave genial weather
for the baptisms next day, for which we were most
thankful.
We had, first of all, a prayer-meeting in English, and
asked especially that one of the ten (who, though he had
44
CHINAS MILLIONS.
left off idolatrous worship himself, had not yet removed
the tablet to heaven and earth from his house) might ap-
pear and hand the tablet over to me, in order that the last
hindrance to his being received might be removed (the an-
cestral tablet had been done away with long before). One
after another of the nine present wercbaptised, and when it
came to the children's turn, instead of fearing, as we had
anticipated (for the Kan-suh people are very afraid of cold
water), they came out of the water just beaming. I had
changed my clothes, and was just going to open the Com-
munion service, when Mr. Chao came hurrying in, and
handed over the objectionable tablet, and of course was in
time to be received with the rest, exactly making up the ten.
He had travelled the thirty miles to and from his house
since four o'clock the preceding afternoon, having bor-
rowed Miss Kinahan's mule for the purpose.
The Communion service afterwards was the
happiest I have ever had in China, because it in-
cluded ten souls saved from the heathen field of
Ts'in-chau, blessed, blessed fruit gathered from a
hitherto unpromising and barren soil. " Oh, how
great is Thy goodness which Thou hast laid up for
them that fear Thee ; which Thou hast wrought for them
that trust in Thee before the sons of men." " Oh, mag-
nify the Lord with me, and let us exalt His name
together ! '' We had a feast together two days after, and
it was a time of profitable intercourse.
The following Sunday evening I produced my
book of " Prayers and their Answers," reading at
the top of the left page, " If ye shall ask any-
thing in My name," and at the top of the right,
" I will do it," and showing in one year only how
the Lord had done it, in most cases not only answering,
but giving also the "exceeding abundantly." This brought
several of the natives encouragement to ask and receive,
and many of them spoke and prayed then and there.
The prayer of one little boy member was especially
touching. Amongst his sentences he prayed : " LORD,
make Soh-chen " (our little Chinese boy) " to grow up as
big as his father, and be a preacher like him." I said
" Amen" to this with all my heart. Truly, " Out of the
mouths of babes and sucklings Thou hast perfected praise."
I believe I am more pained to leave these dear
lambs than I was to leave home and England eight years
ago. The Lord grant that my dear wife and I may soon
return to them. In the meantime I have every com-
fort and confidence in the kind and loving care that
they will receive at the hands of our dear and loved
sisters working on in the station till we return. I do
hope that all three of them will still be there when the
Lord permits us to enter the station again, for a band of
workers more united and loving than ours could not
be found in all the world. " Behold, how good and how
pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity ! "
We are asking for thirty more souls to be given in
Ts'in-chau before we return.
(Slab &ibing$ ham ^0utlj ^bait-si.
|HE first mail from China received by us after arrival in England made our hearts glad indeed.
Before we left China, more than a hundred persons had been baptised in South Shan-si. Now,
Mr. Wm. Key reports thirty ready for baptism west of the Fen River ; Mr. Benjamin Bagnall has
baptised six in P'ing-yang, now connected with newer parts of the work ; and, as will be seen
below, Mr. Stanley P. Smith reports the baptism of fifty-six at Hung-l'ung. Shall we not " rejoice
and be glad " with them ?
THE WORK AT H UNO-TUNG.
FROM MR. STANI.KY I'. SMITH TO HIS I RIF.NDS.
ON October 7th I started with Mr. Fan, an elder of
the church, for a large village of the name of So-pu,
twenty //due east of Hung-t'ung. On the road we had many
opportunities of preaching and distributing tracts. On
getting there we found there was a theatre going on. These
theatres are very unlike the English ones. There is a raised
stage which is covered by a roof ; the sight-seers are all
in the open air. They are almost invariably in connection
with Buddhist temples. I have never given more than a
most passing glance at the players. It seemed to me to
consist of foolery chiefly, often a sort of " dumb crambo,"
with little speaking to each other on the stage ; the stage-
players are all men. These plays are very popular, and
are always crowded, people coming from all parts.
Women are allowed to come and see them ; in fact, it is
about the only diversion that breaks their monotony of
life. Well, we went to this theatre and sold a good many
C.ospel portions, besides having a grand time for preaching.
One young fellow, a brother of three scholars, followed us
to the house where we were staying, and stopped to
evening prayers.
It is delightful visiting the Christian homes. The
man at whose house we stopped is named Liu Pao-lin.
You will see his testimony in the January number of
China's Millions, 1887. He was formerly a very bad
character, but oh ! he is so changed. His wife, too, is a
true believer and close follower of the Lord Jesus. It
was a lovely moonlight night when we were there, and
we sat out till I don't know what hour, singing Chinese
hymns and talking of Him and His return. His only
daughter was married a few days after, and he is now
perfectly free with his wife to work for the Lord. So
these two are going to take care of the ladies' opium
refuge at Hoh-chau, of which I have already spoken.
Miss Reuter and Miss Jacobsen, the two ladies desig-
nated, ought to arrive there before I send of! my next
mail.
BAPTISM OK SIXTY-TWO.
Our first proper "great gathering" is over, and, thank
( .1 11 >, it went off without a hitch, and I really believe there
was great power of God present. The baptistry was
used for the first time, and you will be glad to hear I
baptised fifty-six — fifty-four men and two women. A
large proportion of the candidates (about forty) came
from the district about Chao-cheng, a city ten miles north
of Hung-t'ung. I went up there a week before the "great
gathering" with Mr. Hoste and the two Hung-t'ung
elders (one of them was there at the time). We there
examined thirty-two for baptism ; their answers were
most touching, showing most evident work of the Stiki 1 .
The Lord keep and feed and use them.
Returning I came by way of a large village, Pao-ta-li.
There are twenty or thirty worshippers there and a little
CHINAS MILLIONS.
45
chapel, but no one to lead them on or to teach them. So
I have made an arrangement to spend a week out of
every month in the Chao-cheng district, and coming
back to give Saturday to Monday to Pao-ta-li. The dear
people seemed so glad at the arrangement. I would ask
a prayer in the name of Jesus that these visits may be in
the power of the Spirit. We have started collections, the
Hung-t'ung Church in the first quarter subscribing
twenty-six dollars — very gooci considering their poverty.
I have gone on too quickly with my news, for our great
gathering was on October 29th, 30th, 31st, and November
1st. We had about 160 men and women with us on those
days. I dare say you can imagine providing for their
sleeping accommodation and food, etc., etc., takes up no
little time and thought ; in fact, for five days running I
was unable to go on with, outdoor preaching, though,
thank God, there was opportunity for indoor preaching.
The women occupied the opium refuge, the men my court
and a great building which was lent us free of cost by a
man not a church-member (was it not nice of him, and a
proof of the Father's providing care ?). The bread was
all made on the place, and the three kitchens with nine
stoves were kept fully going for six days. We made our
own bread, as it is better than the shop bread, and there
were plenty of willing hands. Amongst some amusing
items of the capacity for stowage of these good people,
they managed to dispose of 1,000 lbs. of flour and 300 lbs.
of rice.
PAPER WINDOWS.
I have previously said that I have in this letter been
going on with events too fast. I have not mentioned
on the return from So-pu that Mr. and Mrs. Bagnall
arrived. Mr. Bagnall is the P'ing-yang Fu pastor. There
was tremendous excitement to see Mrs. Bagnall, the
first foreign lady who had ever stayed in Hung-t'ung.
Thank God, the Lord gave her grace, supplying all her
need, and she bore it quite bravely, though it must have
been a trying ordeal. My windows, when they had gone,
presented a truly dilapidated appearance ! You know
they are made of paper, and when a Chinaman gets to a
certain pitch of curiosity (a pitch to which he easily rises),
what we should call " smashing windows " does not
weigh veiy heavily upon his conscience. He goes to
work adroitly. Of course, it would seem very ill
behaviour for him to deliberately tear the paper down,
but if the hole for vision can be made noiselessly, well
and good. So you from within see first of all the shadow
of a moistened finger pressed gently against the paper.
The paper, having got to the proper state of saturation,
then comes the fatal "prog," and your window is gone,
the hole quickly filled up with an all-curious eye, scanning
your doings as if life depended on it. The only way is to
take the matter good-naturedly, and to-morrow mend
your panes.
Ladies in China have to put up with not a little. It is
a real taking up of a real cross. But on the other hand
it is blessed to see how, when a Chinese family gets
converted, the women gradually get their proper rights
and position. The cry of women's " rights" has not yet
reached China ; but I do pray God that the cry of
women's "wrongs'' may be speedily forced on the
Chinese by spreading Christianity. Oh, the infinite evil
a nation does itself, socially and morally, when it holds
as a tenet that woman is inferior to man ! One wonders
that in China, where the family life is everything, that
things are so. Should we have heard to-day of St. Augus-
tine or the Wesleys unless under God their mothers had
been what they were? But in such a country as China a
mother's influence goes for nothing, except perhaps on
the side of badness ; there are exceptions. How can she
elevate her child's mind ? Water can only reach its own
level. She knows not God ; uneducated, of course unable
to read books — how can her mind know of higher things
than making dough, rearing children, and talking gossip ?
Motherhood is lost to China, and fatherhood cannot
supply its place. The only remedy — oh, pray for it to
come speedily to them — is the knowledge of God in
Christ.
god's orderings.
Yesterday, November 9th, the mail arrived. The mail
day is delightfully welcome. How well I remember my
visit to Scarborough in 1884; it was blessed. However,
I would not exchange with my present lot. How
glorious that we have a God to order for us and direct
our paths !
To order our steps in His glorious Word.
To order our step s in prayer.
To order our literal steps.
To order our steps in the fight with the powers of dark-
ness.
Glorious ! " The steps of a good man (one ' in
Christ ') are ordered by the Lord, and He delighteth in
his way."
The Lord is very gracious here, and I have proofs of
much acceptance among the people. It is all His love,
and if there be a turn and the storm come, as my day so
shall be my strength. From the bottom of my heart
comes an Allelujah !
brother fotinurnkl lircscntctr at Igmx-rbtwq.
FROM DR. WILSON.
NOVEMBER 2lst.— I want to write to you at once
some account of to-day's proceedings while still
fresh in my mind — the great event for us being the enter-
tainment of a mandarin to dinner, on the occasion of his
presenting the hospital with a large testimonial sign-
board, to show his gratitude for our medical services on
behalf of his father in a serious illness.
It is just two months since we were called to the case,
after he had been attended by several native doctors, and
was fast going from bad to worse. The family were really
afraid he would not recover, and finally, on inviting the
first physician in Han-chung, he declined to go, fearing
that there was little hope of recovery, and that his reputa-
tion would suffer by such a wealthy, well-known, and
universally respected man dying on his hands. They
then were advised to send for us. So next morning they
sent sedan chairs, and Sieand I went ; the house is in the
country about four miles away.
On seeing the man, it seemed to me that, with God's
blessing on suitable treatment, there was no reason why
he should not get well. We prayed much about it, and
from our first visit he rapidly improved. We paid four
or five visits in all.
The eldest son was away at Pekin, where he had gone
to receive office as a mandarin, and they all longed for
his return — of course he knew nothing of his father's ill-
4 6
CHINA'S MILLIONS.
ness. A month ago he returned, and after one day at
home he came in state to thank us, and promised to pre-
sent us with a testimonial signboard. Had the old
gentleman died, his son, even though he had just
received office, would have had to retire for three years
into private life. He has two relatives in the city, through
whom all arrangements have been made, so they have
often been here, and to-day they all came
IN PROCESSION.
The two relatives walked in front, followed by musicians,
after whom were two men carrying the signboard,
(8 feet by 4), suspended from a bamboo pole. Then
the mandarin in his chair, attended by his retinue carry-
ing the various insignia of office, also two or three men
carrying suspended on bamboos large bunches of crackers,
which, as they approached the house were fired off in a
long continuous volley. In the house we had made suit-
able preparations to receive them. Our lady friends
watched them from the loft as before, and Mr. Pearse, Mr.
Hunt, and I awaited their arrival at the door of our great
hall. The signboard was carried up to the top of the
room, the mandarin said a few polite words and pre-
sented it, and then bowed low. 1 had then in a few
words to thank him, and returned the bow, explaining to
him that while we as worshippers of the true God could
not conform to their custom of worshipping the board, we
should on such an occasion praise God for His goodness.
(I had on a previous day explained all this to the other
two, and asked them to explain it to the mandarin, so
that he would be prepared for it.) Each one of us had
then handed to us a piece of red paper on which was
written in Chinese the four lines beginning : —
" Praise God, from whom all blessings flow."
Having sung this, we all knelt on the floor, while I
thanked God for His goodness in restoring the old
gentleman to health, and besought His blessing on the
whole family.
Then the board was carried outside and nailed up in its
place, and we all sat down to tea and sweetmeats, and
had general conversation for about a quarter of an hour,
after which I suggested he might care to adjourn to the
dispensary and see the electric telegraph, electric bell, etc.
This he readily responded to. Here all stiffness soon wore
off, as how could it be otherwise when a mandarin was
vainly fishing for a copper cash in a basin of electrified
water ! He took most appreciating interest in all the
apparatus.
In the meantime English dinner was being spread in
the guest-hall. We thought this would be most enjoyed,
as he had travelled a good deal for a Chinaman, having
visited Pekin, Shanghai, Canton, Japan, Formosa, etc.,
and so would be quite prepared to enjoy a foreign dinner.
Through my wife's care we had a most satisfactory
dinner served up, which would have surprised you, con-
sidering we are 1,500 miles in the interior of Asia.
During dessert the sun came out, so I left them and
went to put out the camera obscura and photographic
camera, arranged a table and chairs, and made a most
interesting group, and then invited them to come one by
one and look.
INSPECTION OF HOSPITAL AND I'll I NSARY.
The mandarin expressed a wish to see over the house,
so I took him into the patients' waiting-room ; he was
much interested in hearing that every day we have thirty,
forty, or fifty patients assembled there, whom we see one
by one in the dispensary. He then expressed a wish to
thank my wife in person for all the trouble she had taken ;
so shej ust came inside the door of theguest-hall and received
and returned his thanks, and then they took to their chairs
and the proceedings were over.
All went off very well indeed, and he proved a very easy
man to entertain, as are most Chinamen who have
travelled. They are all most unfeignedly thankful for our
services to their father, and have fully explained the
whole circumstances on the testimonial, so that all may
know. The board is rather larger thin the last, and con-
tains over two hundred characters.
I was very glad we had an opportunity of so clearly
witnessing for God, as the one true God in whose hand
is the breath of all, and from whom all blessings whether
earthly or heavenly proceed. You would have liked to
see us all standing there singing to His praise, and then
all kneeling and thanking Him for His goodness and
mercy while seeking the richest blessing on the old
gentleman and his family. At dinner, too, we found good
openings for leading the conversation into profitable
channels. The mandarin remarked that he understood
we had friends at the capital of Si-ch'uen, where he goes
very shortly, and that he would like us to give him a
letter of introduction to them ; there is no saying but he
might prove of real service, as he will soon be appointed
mandarin in some large city where we may wish to start
work, and to have the city mandarin favourable is a great
thing.
INTEREST IN THE TRUTH.
But we long above all that God may really open the
hearts of some of this family to the truth. A young
man, a cousin of the family, and who has often been here
during these two months, has shown much interest, has
read through the New Testament, and some pamphlet
tracts I lent him, and we have had several good talks
about the Gospel. He was here one morning early, and
so was present at our family prayers, and came last
Sunday evening to see the magic-lantern New Testament
scenes. Would that interest might culminate in conviction,
and he be led to take a stand and do away with idolatry
in his house. The younger brother of the mandarin is
the one whom we have seen most of over there, as he has
always been at home taking care of his father. He, too,
has read through a book I gave him, written by Mr. Griffith
John, which contains a very full and clear statement of
the folly of idolatry and of the truth as revealed to man
in the Bible. I hope he may come over here, as he has
promised to, that we may see more of him.
Sie had to go yesterday, as my representative, dressed
up in my dress, hat, and cloak, and taking my card, to
thank the old gentleman for the presentation of the tablet.
I told him to try and open the way for them to invite my
wife to see the lady members of the family, and I think as
soon as the mandarin has left, and they are more at liberty,
they will invite her over. One does so long in such cases
that the intimacy may be extended beyond the immediate
present, so that we may have many opportunities of bring-
ing home to them the truth.
PROVIDKN HAL 1 INKS.
It is interesting to trace the several links in the chain
of circumstances that led them to send for us. It all
originated from our having won the love of a poor lad,
only sixteen years old, but who was a confirmed opium-
smoker, as you could tell at once from his old-fashioned
look. He had been to the dispensary several times for
medicine, either for himself or others, and we had urged
him to come in and give up his opium. His father,
mother, and he, their only child, all smoke opium. Some
time after this, a young married girl was very ill, belong-
ing to a family close to where this boy lived, and where
he often acted as errand-boy, and he urged them to send
for us ; so my wife went, and found a beautiful girl in the
last stage of consumption. She was much struck at
the time with the pleasant look and gentlemanly
CHINA'S MILLIONS.
47
43
CHINA'S MILLIONS.
demeanour of the brother ; the poor girl only lived about
a week, but they seemed so impressed with the relief that
she got from our medicines, that the brother at once
advised the family in the country to send for us to their
father, as the old gentleman had been ill a month, and was
fast getting worse. This brother of the poor girl who died is
the one who has been here so often since, and read the
Testament through, and who was present yesterday at the
presentation. When my wife called to see the poor girl,
she was too weak to understand, but two old ladies, one
of whom was her mother-in law, listened with evident
interest as she told them about the one true God and
Christ the Saviour. Many in these two families have
now heard not a little, and all that seems needed is the
vitalising power of the Holy Spirit. We learn not to
despise the day of small things. A few kind loving words
to a poor lad of sixteen formed the first link in the chain,
and the last link up to the present is the good-will of this
mandarin and his family, the restoration to health of the
old gentleman, and our possession of another testimonial
sign-board, calculated even more than the last one, to
help us in our work, and bring more of the upper classes
to us, and thus under the sound of the Gospel. This is
much to praise God for, but we long that there may be
more, even the turning of some of these families from idols
to serve the living and true God.
CHINESE FILIAL PIETY.
One more circumstance I must mention, so thoroughly
Chinese, that 1 fear some will he shocked at what all here
regard as a splendid proof of filial pieiy. When the old
gentleman was at his worst, before they invited us, and
the family being in great consternation, the eldest son
a thousand miles away and thus unable to perform acts
of filial devotion, his wife in his place performed the act
which is supposed to propitiate heaven ; with her own
hand she cut a piece of flesh out of her own arm to have
cooked and administered to her father-in-law that he
might recover.
Oh for the time when this dense darkness shall have
given place to the knowledge of the Lord, covering the
earth as the waters cover the sea. These glorious promises
of the millennial kingdom seem more precious to one
here, when one sees ignorance and superstition covering
the whole land and all classes of society.
I think it is more than probable that the old gentlemin
will make the hospital a present of money to help to
defray the expenses of the medical assistance to the poor.
ACCUMULATING MERIT.
This would be quite in keeping with his character, as he has
been widely known as a man ready to spend his money in
doing " good deeds " and acts of benevolence ; hitherto it
has often expended itself in the recognised form of "good
deeds," giving money to repair idols' temples, or repair the
roads and bridges. These " good deeds "are generally done
as a means of propitiating providence, and ensuring happi-
ness in the world to come, and as it is called " accumulating
merit." May we have, now that he is well, some oppor-
tunities of further telling him about the One whose perfect
spotless merit is the one and only ground for the sinner's
hopes for the life to come, and in whose work the sinner
may find peace here below.
HOLD OF IDOLATRY.
It seems to me one learns more and more what a deep
hold idolatry really has on the people. Though one con-
stantly meets with persons ready to scoff at idolatry, and
quite acquiesce in anything one may say against it, yet in
the hour of danger, when death seems impending, they
will do almost anything to try and secure the help of
those idols which perhaps in health they were ready to
laugh at.
I have heard only to-day of the tremendous sums of
money that have been spent in consequence of this man's
illness. Besides paying a great deal tor many suits of the
best clothing to be buried with him in case he should die,
large sums were promised to many temples to propitiate
providence. The usual way in such cases is to promise in
case of recovery to present this or that temple with a
large votive tablet, or to defray the expenses for five, ten, or
fifteen days' theatricals, which are always associated with
temples.
It seems sad to think th.V, now that through God's
mercy he has been restored, he will be expending large
sums of money in fulfilling his promises to adorn temples,
regild idols, etc., etc. I hope next time we go there, we
may have an opportunity of speaking very plainly about
these things.
iUcssing amairg Sailors at Cbc-foa.
|_IIE WORK of the Inland Mission even in China is not exclusively confined to the Chinese, as
will be seen from the following extracts. Our English and Eurasian schools afford work among
the children, and when in the ports, we have many opportunities of service among seamen and
residents. Will our praying friends keep these branches of work in view in their intercessions and
thanksgivings ?
FROM MR. D. M. ROBERTSON.
NOVEMBER 6///.— We left Che-foo {en route for
T'ai-yuen) on Thursday, and arrived outside the
l'ei ho bar yesterday afternoon. My object in writing is
to tell you of a donation to the Mission of twenty dollars
from the band of Christians on board II. M.S. "Cham-
pion." The gift is the outcome of a revival on board the
vessel, of which I am sure you will be interested to hear,
as also of the work we have had with the men of other
vessels.
The work commenced on Sept. 26th, when Mr. Douglas
and I went off to the U.S.S. " Marion." The captain
was exceedingly kind, and on this and the following
Sabbath we held services among the men : we also had
two tea-meetings for them in the Seamen's Hall, and had
them twice at the Sanitarium. The next ship \isited was
the U.S.S. '' Ossifree." I took off Misses E. Taylor,
Jacobsen, and J. Webb for a service, and we got "the
church, "not in its usual place near the quarter-deck, but as
close to the forecastle as possible ; nearly the whole ship's
company must have heard the singing and speaking.
During the following week we had a tea-meeting for the
men of the " Ossifree," and got a few of the men from
H.M.S. " Merlin" also, between twenty and thirty in all.
Although we cannot record conversions, yet many were
visibly convicted of bin.
One day Mr. Douglas and I boarded the German ship
CHINA'S MILLIONS.
49
" Bismarck " with a few German and English tracts, which
all were very eager to get.
The next vessel boarded was the U.S.S. " Omalia " ;
Misses Seed, Reuter, J. Webb, Mr. Hudson Broomhall,
and I went on Sabbath and held a similar and as success
ful a service as on the " Ossifree."
During the week H.M.S. " Champion " and " Linnet "
arrived, and Mr. H. Broomhall and I had pleasant times
going off in the boat and arranging tea-meetings for their
men. We had a large meeting, to which nearly forty
came. Next week we had another tea specially for
the " Omalia " ; the captain sent twenty-six men in charge
of an officer ; there were also present our friends from the
" Champion," and one or two from the " Linnet." Mrs.
Leavitt, of an American temperance society, spoke at
this meeting ; all the other work has been confined to
ourselves, the ladies not only preparing the teas, but
doing a good share of the speaking. When the " Cham-
pion '' arrived there were six or seven converted men on
board ; now the band numbers about twenty-four. One
of the most marked cases was that of a man who sat next
to Mr. Hy. Dick one Sabbath in the Seamen's Hall. He
seemed very uneasy, and Mr. Dick asked, " Do you feel
the draught?" " No." He afterwards told us in his
testimony that he wanted his hat to get out, for he could
not stay, he was so miserable Just then Miss Reuter
sang a solo which so impressed him that he said to Mr.
Dick, " Let's get up near the front." He was converted
that night, and he now says, " The past week has been the
happiest I ever spent ; the whole ship is changed; every-
body seems to have a nod and a smile."
Another very manifest case is that of one whose con-
viction gradually deepened, till one night he came with
a beaming face, and in answer to Mr. Broomhall, who
said, " You don't know how glad I am," replied, " You
are not half so glad as I." We have had many blessed
meetings with these warm-hearted blue-jackets, and it
has been such a joy leading one and another to the
Lord Jesus.
FROM MISS REUTER.
Our Father has given us some joyful times with
the sailors in the harbour. The " Champion " has
come back, and a real work has begun on board.
It was splendid to hear the testimonies last night.
One said he had been a half-hearted Christian for some
years, and warned the others from living such a life ;
he thanked God that he had come to Che-foo; now he was
determined to live and strive for Jesus. A man came
up here on Sunday, with the others, who told me he
had no peace, and looked very miserable ; poor man,
he has been a great sinner ; what joy it was to us when,
in the after meeting, he stood up and, with a beaming
face, told us that he had found salvation. Last night
he testified in this way : " My chum, there, who is yet
unsaved, brought me up here (I hope he will soon come
to Christ too, so that I shall not have all the benefit).
After tea we went down to the Seamen's Hall. They sang
some hymns, and I began to feel that I had a heart;
Miss Reuter sang a hymn on the sufferings of Jesus,
and I could not stand it any longer. Satan said, ' Get
out of this.' I looked for my hat, and to see if the door
was open. I got my hat, but I could not go out.
Again I listened, and my heart was broken " (he sob-
bed from emotion) ; •' then I saw the light, and
peace came into my heart." Praise God, he is so
happy.
The whole crew are talking about the change in the
men, and on Sunday night some were watching, when
they arrived on board, to see if any were drunk. One
said to one of the older Christians, "You have made
new converts now!" "No, I am afraid they would be
very bad ones if I had made them." " But some more men
have joined your society." " I don't know about that; but I
know that some of the men have given their hearts to
God." " Nonsense," the answer was, " it is all excite-
ment ; like a flash in a frying-pan, it will soon pass
away." "Well," the Christian said, ''time will prove
it ; we have a Saviour who is mighty to keep." Last
night he put so earnestly before the new converts how
they were watched on all sides.
There is a public-house here, which is a great snare
to the sailors ; we have been there, and got them to
come out to our meetings. The keeper of it is a Dane ;
he very seldom goes out, but he came to see us one
day ; I believe it was God's purpose that he should
come. He told us that he was very unhappy in
that business, and wished to get out of it, but had
nothing else to do. I write aboui him, because I want
you to pray for him that he may be converted. We
are going to suggest to him to open a coffee-house.
Nov. 1st. — Hallelujah ! The corporal is gloriously
saved. It is strange how our Father uses even our
foolishness sometimes. It was a word of Miss Seeds
that made this man stop and think. She asked him
if he read the Bible, believed it, and believed that
Jesus had died for him. He answered "Yes" to each
question. "Have you ever thanked Him for it?"
"No.'' "Well," she said, "you are a most ungrateful
wretch." These words gave him no rest. Miss Seed
had not thought of speaking so to him, and was sorry
afterwards, and asked God not to let it harm him, and
the Lord did exceeding abundantly, for He blessed
just those words.
We have had glorious times ; souls are saved, there
are more than twenty Christians now on board, and
they are so bright and happy, and out-and-out for
JESUS. We shall be sorry to leave them, and yet it is
with the greatest joy that we start for the north to-
morrow, it is with hearts lifted up in piayer for those
left and those we are going to that we part. We thank
God that we can look back upon these last days spent
in Che-foo with joy, because we have seen the salvation
of God among us.
Evening. — We have had the last meeting with the
sailors — a holiness meeting. It was very helpful in-
deed. One more came to the light ; he had long been
under conviction, but could not trust JESUS to keep
him from swearing. He had determined yesterday
that he would never go on shore again to meetings ;
they were too much for him. However, he came to-
night, and went his way rejoicing. Another man, who
has been often to our meetings, and been much spoken
to, came, but seemed rather hard. Oh, what a joy it
was that, when he was going to leave us to-night, he
could not speak a word for emotion ; out in the pas-
sage he burst into tears, and his friend, who is such a
happy Christian, wept with him, saying, " Oh, Johnny,
come to Jesus." I feel convinced that he is just on the
turning point. We all rejoiced, telling one another that
Jesus shall have the victory. Oh, how I thank God
for this time, yea, for keeping us here three weeks more
than we expected. It is true as Mr. Hudson Broomhall
said to-night, "All things work together {ox the best for
them that fear Him."
5°
CHINA'S MILLIONS.
0rh uximvfo $>!gu~*]p.
FROM MRS. RILEY.
SHA-SHI, Nov. i&th.— This morning Miss Wilson
and I started in chairs across Sha-shi', and then
took a small boat down the inner river to do some country
visiting. After walking across some fields we sat down
to rest on a grave, and a number of women and children
from the farm-houses near came round, and we spoke to
them of Jesus. After spending about an hour with them,
we went on a little further and again rested. Here one or
two men and women came round, and Miss Wilson spoke,
followed by the Christian man who had accompanied us.
One man, who looked very ill, seemed interested.
Starting again and walking some distance, we were invited
into a small house, and tried to speak to the old woman
and her daughter who lived there, but they were afraid to
understand even when my woman spoke, so we could not
do very much ; we offered the old woman a tract, but her
daughter feared for her to take it, lest it should beguile
her into following the foreigners ; notwithstanding their
fears, they were friendly, making tea for us, etc.
Nov. igt/i. — This afternoon I have spent a very happy
time in the guest-hall.
Tuesday, 2yd. — Miss Evans has been out to-day, and
I have met the guests ; it has been a most happy time.
Miss Wilson says she never remembers more women
coming on one afternoon, and I was so full of praise to
find how well I was understood.
Wednesday, Nov. 24//1. — Miss Fosbery and I started
across the river with my woman and little Paul. We
walked some distance, and then accepted an invitation to
sit down ; a little crowd soon gathered, mostly women,
and the Lord helped me to speak to them.
Going on, at the first farmhouse we came to the people
brought us tea, and for little Paul a handful of pea-nuts ;
then they noticed that I had books, and I soon disposed
of the Gospels I had brought with me, and a few other
books.
Then I spoke, and a man, who had been listening,
repeated what I had said. We went on, promising to
come again soon. We had not time to sit down again,
but sold several books as we passed the farm-houses, and
repeated our promise to come again. We reached home
just before six, tired, but so thankful for more opportunities,
having sold twelve Gospels, eighteen books, and ten
tracts.
Monday, 29//1. — Miss Fosbery and I went across the
river this afternoon purposely to see an old woman who
most persistently declares that she cannot understand a
word we say, although when we speak of other things
than the Gospel she answers quite readily ; we hoped she
would listen to my woman and to the native Christian who
accompanied us, but our hopes were not realized. Poor
old body.
Hates of Dnusc.
FROM MR. A. WRIGHT, of Kin-hiva, ChEH-KIANG, {Central).
KIN-HWA, Dec. 22nd.— Enclosed you will find a \
short account of some of the goodness of the Lord, i
but, oh t I can tell you so little of His goodness. I
never imagined anything like it at home. I have had
many showers of blessing, and time after time my heart
has broken out in thankfulness.
BAPTISMS.
On August 1st, our brethren gathered here again under
very joyful circumstances— the adding of seven brethren
and sisters to our numbers. These being the first
baptisms I had witnessed in China, it had a peculiar
solemnity and joy for me. How glorious it is to see some
of the devil's prey snatched from him ! Of those baptised
five belonged to one family, a husband and wife, their
two sons and one son's wife. The mother was seventy-
three years of age, and has since gone to glory. It
appears that this family first heard the Gospel from an
old blind man, one of our members, and it was delightful
to see his joy when they were baptised, so much like a
Christian at home who has just won his first soul ; he
could scarcely contain himself, and I felt my heart leap
for joy.
August 22nd. — Had some joyful time in the presence of
the Kino. To-day is the first that I could understand
and follow the speaker in the Chinese service fairly well.
Surely I have room to praise my God.
On the first Sunday in October, 1 had the joy of taking
my first service in Chinese. Although I felt my own weak-
ness, still I am assured the Lord used me for His glory.
Since then I have had many opportunities.
On Nov. 1 1/7/, I started on my first journey without a
foreigner to visit our out-station, Yung-k'ang. The
scenery on this road is extremely lovely. Our first halt
was at a village thirty //' from Kin-hwa, and here my
teacher and I had the opportunity of giving a few tracts
and speaking a few words. After lunch we walked on
again, and I had to give vent to my feelings of delight by
praising the LORD with a loud voice as I looked on His
goodness and thought of His love. At another village
fifteen //' further, we had again the opportunity of telling
of Jesus, one man especially understanding me well
and seeming much interested. In all the villages the
people seemed very friendly, though curious. I enjoy
sometimes their questions, they help one to speak.
Next morning spoke to a gentleman and gave him a
a copy of Mark's Gospel, and when we met him afterwards
in his chair rejoiced to see him reading it.
At four p.m. arrived at Yung-k'ang. On Saturday I
visited several of the brethren's homes, and they seemed
glad to have some one to help them for a short time. In
the evening held a warm prayer-meeting, and on Sunday
had good services.
On Monday, I again visited the brethren, going to one
who lives fifteen //' from the city.
MAR kit' DAY.
Tuesday was market-day, and very early the streets
seemed to be crowded. After breakfast we took a few
books and tracts and went out, my teacher declaims that
the people would not buy. I put myself into my MASTER'S
hands, asking Him to guide me, and I had not gone far
CHINA'S MILLIONS.
5'
when a man asked if I was selling the books. I said I
was, and sold him one, and soon a crowd gathered and I
sold a few more and spoke a little. We then moved on
to the banks of the river where most of the market is
held, and in a very short time all the books were sold and
many words spoken, and we retraced our steps with joyful
hearts. I look back to that day as one of the red-letter
days of my life.
On Sunday again we had a happy day especially in the
afternoon, when the service was held in one of the
brethren's houses ; his wife had invited her friends and
neighbours, and we had about twenty present. My sub-
ject was " As Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness,"
etc., and God filled me with holy joy. I felt it no difficulty
to speak, and all listened with rapt attention. On
Monday I returned home, praising God.
Since coming back I have had much joy and help, and
am still looking for greater things from the Lord.
(Brttonmgtmmt at Mxw-tjrat, (Mjclj-Inang ^probinrc.
FROM THE DIARY OF MISS OLIVER.
AUGUST 30///. — We had a very happy day yesterday ;
it being communion Sunday, many came for miles
to be at the service, some arriving on Saturday, and
bringing their rice with them. Three men were baptised,
making ten since I arrived in May. A nice number at
Mrs. Stott's class in the afternoon.
Sept. nth. — I must give my testimony to the blessed-
ness of serving the Lord. He has given me such a sweet
text, lately, "If they obey and serve Him they shall spend
their days in prosperity, and their years in pleasures "
(Job. xxxvi. 2). How true this is ; how I have proved it ;
it is fourteen years since I first began to serve Him — such
blessed years they have been, but never have I realised
His presence and felt my heart so overflowing with praise
to Him for His goodness as since I have been in China.
He has brought me, guided me, chosen for me, and
satisfied me with Himself, so that all the future I can con-
fidently and joyfully leave in His hands. My heart is
longing to tell out all His goodness, and to see these dear
people around knowing Him whom to know is life
eternal, and who can make this life just a foretaste of
heaven, with the blessed assurance in the future of being
like Him, and with Him for ever. I find increasing
enjoyment in the study of God's Word. Praise the Lord,
though we are separated from His house and from His
people to a great extent, we have Himself.
Sept. 29th. — Thisweekthe Christianshave openedafresh
place for the preaching of the Gospel ; this makes three
fresh places lately, so the truth is being taken into the
districts around. There are quite a number of inquirers.
Some of the elder girls have just finished memorizing the
Gospel of John ; it is delightful to see their interest in the
Scripture.
Oct. 2nd. — Four more were accepted for baptism and
church-membership : Praise the Lord, He is indeed
working in our midst. We have been led of late to plead
for the native Christians that they may be filled with the
Spirit. Another dear girl in the school to-day told Mrs.
Stott she had given her heart to the Lord.
Oct. 4t/i. — We had a very happy day yesterday
(Sunday), nearly 200 must have been present at the
morning service ; about 100 remembered the Lord's
death; the four were baptised, one man and three women.
One old woman was blind, but she could see Jesus as her
Saviour. Another of these women had a special interest
to us; she had been a devout and strict Buddhist, and has
on her arm twelve scars from burns that she received in
order to obtain merit in the next world ; there are four
rows, three in a row, which must have caused intense
pain. She says that when it was done she fainted away.
Poor woman ! so earnest was she about the future, but
the Lord had better things in store for her. About two
years ago the native preacher with another went visiting
the people in their homes ; this woman lived in the house
of one of the Christians, and listened through a partition
to a little service he held. Hearing the Gospel she longed
to know more, became an inquirer, and then a believer.
She was a widow, but has been married to a Christian,
and now she and her husband are most anxious to spread
the glad tidings.
% WiBit ia % (Bnt-tdvAxav® ai Sljaa-Ijing, Cjxclj-Iuang,
FROM THE RE
MY recent visit to the out-stations afforded me some
encouragement in the midst of much disappoint-
ment from our work in this city and the surrounding
villages.
The other day whilst preaching with an evangelist at a
village about five miles from this city, a woman in the
crowd shouted out : " That is what my father used to say ;
he was always saying that rain and drought, good crops
or bad, plenty or poverty, life or death, all depended on
Jesus ; and when he was dying he said, Jesus can either
make me live, or take me away, just as He likes ; all
depends upon Him." We were so eager to know more
about this man that we stopped preaching, and began to
ask, " Did he belong to any church ? Was he a Roman
Catholic ? Did he pray to Jesus ? Where did he hear
these things that you say he talked about ? How long is
it since he died ? " All we could gather was that he had
heard the Gospel in the city and in his native village,
I. J. MEADOWS.
where we were now speaking (and he must have heard
it from us, as no others have been here, so far as we can
learn) ; and that he used to say a form of prayer when
he ate his rice, and departed this life talking about Jesus.
I feel I may take good hope from this incident, that the
seed sown long ago shall spring up in its time and bear
fruit to the praise and glory of God. But I know, thank
God, where to get surer comfort, and more stimulating
encouragement, and that is from the Word of God ; sure
and steadfast are His promises. All our missionary work,
all our joys and sorrows, trials and temptations, successes
and failures, take their shape, and form, and colour from
the attitude our souls take towards " His exceeding great
and precious promises." Let no one come to China as a
missionary who has not unwavering faith in the promises
of God. Our foundation and our bulwarks are the
promises of the living God.
At our first out-station, Tsong-ko-bu, we found the
52
CHINA'S MILLIONS.
chapel shut up, the preacher being absent. We have
only four members here ; two of them, an old man nearly
blind, and a young woman with small feet, live so far
away that they can seldom come to worship ; the other
two are a poor old blind woman, and a young woman, the
wife of our landlord. Pray for this place.
At Shing-hien, seventy odd miles from Shao-hing, we
found the preacher's wife, son, and daughter-in-law, all
down with fever and ague, and learnt that the villages
around the city were filled with the sick and the dying.
The cries and loud wailing in the middle of the night
from houses where one or more had been snatched away
by death, both in the city and at places around where we
stayed, were heartrending, and sent a thrill of horror
through my soul as I thought of where these poor
creatures had gone- The picture of Egypt, losing its
first-born in every house at midnight, presented itself
more forcibly to my mind than it had ever done before,
and one was forced to pray, with an intensity that only
such awful scenes can produce, God have mercy on
these poor souls. In one village of 400 families, more
than 100 families had been attacked, and in many places
the crops were being neglected for want of their sick
owners' attention.
Our church in this city, although it does not increase
much in numbers, is blessed with some good, earnest
men, who really take an intelligent interest in the pro-
gress of the work of God. We examined two candidates
for baptism — an old lady, sixty-seven years of age, the
wife of our first convert here, who had been transported
for life from Shan-tung many years ago for man-
slaughter, and is now a most consistent Christian. The
other candidate was a bright boy of fifteen, whose answers
were quick and to the point.
POWER OF GRACE.
While at Shing-hien I heard the case of another
inquirer, which strikingly exhibits the power of the grace
of God in these rough-and-ready men, and exemplifies
the value of the words, " Avenge not yourselves, but
rather give place unto wrath." In a village to the west of
the city, a man named Ah-meng has recently resolved to
walk in the same path with his father ; a nephew of his,
who is much older than himself, has conceived an intense
hatred to everything connected with the name of JESUS,
ever since Ah-meng's father joined the church, and be-
came outrageous on hearing that Ah-meng was going to
do the same. One day as Ah-meng was coming out of
his field with his heavy hoe en his shoulder, the nephew,
with a baby girl in his arms, confronted him, and began
to abuse him in the most opprobrious language. Ah-meng
advanced a few steps and began to reason with him, but
he had not said many words before the nephew, unable
to control himself further, rushed on his uncle and beat
him in the face. The uncle, who is more than thirty
years of age, and a few months ago would have more
than returned the insult, instead of showing fight, turned
back quickly into the field and got out of reach. The
farmers who were working close by, and saw all this
remonstrated, saying, "Ah-meng's father it is true, has
joined the disciples of Jesus, but there is nothing wtong
or improper in that sect; Ah-meng has not yet joined
them, his conduct is upright, and he is your uncle. Is it
the custom of our country for the nephew to insult the
uncle?" The nephew eplied, "He has got off very
cheaply, I assure you." "What do you mean? a nephew
to beat an uncle in the face as you have done, and the
uncle not to return it ; how can you say he has got off
cheaply ? " Then the nephew said before them all,
" If he had struck me back, I intended to take this little
girl and dash her on the ground, and trample her to
death, and then to appeal to the authorities and ask life
for life, which would have ruined the whole family ; now
has he not got off well ? " Only those who know the
Shing-hien people, and their readiness at all hazards to
carry their threats into execution, can properly appre-
ciate the deliverance our brother Ah-meng had, through
his patient and prudent conduct towards his wicked
nephew.
The church at Mo-ko has been practically without a
stated preacher for a year and eight months. Several
have gone back since the death of Li Kwei-yang, and
others have become cold. They said, " We have no time
to look after these scattered disciples, as we are all
labourers, and after our long and hard day's work in the
fields, we are fit for nothtog else but supper and sleep."
The services have been taken every Sunday by one of
themselves for the last eight months, but it does not seem
to answer very well, as there is no one to look after
the lukewarm and the backsliding. We proposed to
set apart two deacons, but no one would accept the
office.
Then, the brethren manifesting a good deal of interest
in the welfare of the church, we proposed that they should
choose a man and pay half his salary. I was most agree-
ably surprised at the eagerness with which they accepted
this proposal ; those who had been giving two cash a day
promised three, and those who had given three increased
to four or five. But after all was summed up they had
not enough by several dollars, so they deputed one of
their number to ask help from members of other churches
whom they knew. They have been promised most of
the deficiency, and have chosen unanimously one of my
colporteurs at their pastor. If they pay half his salary
they will give nearly three times as much as they have
been in the habit of giving. Pray for Mo-ko. Forty-five
of us sat down to the Lord's supper.
The work at Yih-ko-ain and its out-station goes on
encouragingly, notwithstanding the sickness and death all
around. We had the pleasure of baptising seven persons
and examining eleven candidates, two or three of whom
were from Mo-ko. Sixty-seven of us sat down to the
Lord's supper, and we had a profitable service. Praise
the Lord.
Seventeen of us broke bread at Sin-ch'ang, and nine-
teen at Shing-hien. More would have been at the latter
service had it been held on the Sunday, but we were
obliged to hold it on Tuesday, and in the daytime. Now
let me earnestly commend all our work to the prayerful
sympathy of all our friends. May we all pray intensely
and work zealously that Mis kingdom may come.
States from Sbanqbai.
Rev. J. W. Stevenson, now acting as Directors Deputy,
writes, on January 12th: — "My first note must be, pr.iise
God for help and grace for one week. I am finding out that it
is no vain thing to trust in Him. Your prayers for me are being
abundantly answered day by day. I have ' dwelt with the Kin.'
since you left ; I should be afraid to live anywhere else."
Rev. J. E. Cardwell, now the Secretaty of the Mission in
China, was, with his family, well on January 1 2th, and wrote : —
" By the time this reaches you your voyage will be over; we shall
not forget you in prayer, and I know something of what will be
pressing upon you. May the Master's wisdom be given for the
MASTER'S work, then we shall all rejoice togethel in the good
pleasure of the LORD."
CHINA'S MILLIONS.
53
Ciirittgg ixmxt Sraitmtr WLmhm,
|itang-si Hvobin«.
From Miss M. Hudson Taylor.
Ta-ku-t'ang, Jan. T,rJ.
Last Friday was the day of fasting and prayer ; we had meet-
ings at eleven in the morning and seven in the evening ; we had
such good times, and realised the Lord's presence. " Where two
or three are gathered together in My name there am I in the midst
of them.' 1
From Mr. Herbert Hudson Taylor.
Ta-ku-t'ang, Jan. 6th.
We are all very well, and just now very much encouraged at
the prospects of the work here. Our woman, the cook's wife,
and the bricklayer's wife, have asked for baptism of their own
accord ; the servants, the builder, and one of the bricklayers, are
very much interested. Our teacher has been suggesting the
advisability of a chapel on the street, and says he thinks that if
there were thirty out-and-out Christians here, all the people in the
village would quickly follow.
From Mrs. Herbert Hudson Taylor.
Ta-kut'attq, Jan. 13th.
We are expecting great things for Ta-ku-t'ang. Maria has
such a nice Sunday-school class, and Miss Tapscott is going to
help her. We have found out an old woman, seventy-eight years of
age, to help, who lives in such a wretched place. If you could
only see how eagerly she listens when we tell her about Jesus ;
she said yesterday, *' When I cannot sleep, I call to Jesus." She
triad to learn the second verse of "Jesus loves me," but her
memory is failing her. I feel sure the Master sent us to that
house, and that that poor old woman will be saved. We are pray-
ing for thirty souls, as the teacher said that he believed if thirty
came out on the Lord's side, the whole of Ta-ku-t'ang would be
blessed.
From Miss McFarlane.
Kwang Sin River, Dx. loth.
We are not at Kuei-k'i yet, but about fifty li away.
We have had a very happy journey so far. The Lord has
been veiy near to us. We stopped at a small place called Chang-
pu on Sunday. I went ashore with Ah-ho in the forenoon, and
gave away some tracts. I did not speak much, the crowd was so
great, and they did not seem to understand what I did say, at
least, not very well. I was obliged to return to the boat very soon,
but Ah-ho spoke to them a long time.
We had a few hours at Gan-ren. Miss Littler and I went to the
house, and had a talk with some women. We also had prayer
and reading with Lao-wang, and three others who are inquirers ;
they seem very bright ; two of them are rather elderly men, the
other is a young man about eighteen. May God bless and use
them to witness for Him.
(San-btouij JHobuut.
From Mr. John Reid.
Ch'i-clian Fu, Dec, 31st.
After returning from Gan-k'ing I had another attack of ague,
so, as soon as I got over it, I took a journey to the north of the
river. I visited a good many towns and villages, and disposed
of a large number of tracts and portions of Scripture. The people
everywhere were very friendly, and ready to listen to the Gospel.
I returned a week ago, strong in body and rejoicing inspirit.
Every night this week we have had a number of people listen-
ing to the Gospel ; they will not come into the hall well, so we
have been going outside to them. I hope we shall continue to
have as many listeners every night. I am trying to rent a preach-
ing hall on a busier street.
From Dr. Stewart.
Ning-kwoh Fu, Dec. 27th,
I arrived at Ning-kwoh last week, and, as far as I am able to
udge, fully restored to my usual health ; the Lord has abundantly
answered prayer in my case. My short stay here has been a
blessing to me in various ways ; I have learnt to love the place
and the people, but especially dear Brother Miller, whose devo-
tion and earnestness in the Lord's work drew my attention the
first day I met him.
I believe the Lord will soon grant an abundant blessing on the
preaching of His Word at Ning-kwoh ; there are many inquirers
both in the city and surrounding neighbourhood.
In reference to my proposed journey to T'ai-yvien, as it appears
to be the Lord's leading, I shall be glad to hold myself in readi-
ness against the appointed time.
From Mr. George Miller.
Ning-kwoh Fu, Dec. 2$/h.
The work here in the villages seems to me very encouraging ;
many come to hear the Gospel, while some are kept from decid-
ing by the fear of persecution. Just now, owing to the examinations,
the city is very busy ; sometimes the scholars are inclined to be a
little rude, but a few kind, reasonable words restore peace. How
self-righteous these people are ! The story of Jesus and His love
has no interest for them ; the picture of Christ's dying love upon the
tree does not move them ; they seem sunk in hopeless depravity,
dead in trespasses and sins. Natural religion and the light of
reason, with all the moral precepts that philosophers ever uttered,
cannot save them ; only He, who stopped Paul on his way to
Damascus and by a miracle saved him, can save them.
You will be glad to hear that on my way back here I baptized
two at Wu-hu. I also called in at T'ai-ping Fu, and found a
few there waiting to be received into the church. There are also
a few farmers, who live in a village not far from here, who are
interested. I have now gathered as much money from the
different stations (Wu-hu, Ning-kwoh, Gan-k'ing) as will build
a nice little chapel for the little band of Christians at T'ai-ping Fu,
they themselves having subscribed fairly well.
From Miss Agnes Gibson.
Hwuy-chau, Nov. 281/1.
The journey here took six days. I had many opportunities of
telling the Gospel to those who had never heard it before, and
the people understood me pretty well. We stayed in inns which
were not at all comfortable, but that was nothing, the experience
will be very useful in future service ; before I had always
travelled by boat, and not overland. The people are very poor
all along the way ; they have very little to brighten their lives ;
my heart was sad as I thought of their wretched condition.
The testimony of our brother and sister Mr. and Mrs. Kay in
this city has not been in vain ; the people are very friendly, and
Mr. Kay says there are quite a number of inquirers. I am
going to try and visit while I am here ; God is blessing my foul.
I trust He will make me a blessing.
Cbejr-imtng ^robintf,
From Miss Macintosh.
Kiu-chau, Dec. yth.
You will be glad to hear the work is very encouraging in
Yuh-shan. I got friendly with a good many of the upper class,
some of whom seemed interested in the Gospel. I also visited
the Christians in their homes, remaining a night in each village,
and having a meeting with them and their neighbours in the
evening. They were all so friendly and kind.
From Miss S. E. Jones.
Kiu-chau, Dec, 26I/1.
We go out every afternoon to visit, and have had splendid
times the last two or three weeks. I have not seen any women
in China listen so eagerly as I have in this city, they seem to
believe every word that is said. What a happy life ours is !
Living for Christ; living in Christ, and Christ living in us.
54
CHINAS MILLIONS.
%»\-ttymx{ Jfrofoirrct.
From Mr. C. T. Studd.
CKung-k'ipg, December ll/h.
All goes well, and is likely to do so, for the Lord is at the
head. Last Sunday night I went to Tai-yang-shan, and had a
meeting with some of the church — a catacomb service : after
some time three old forms were produced, no table, or paper on
the windows ; a few candles stuck in the cracks in the walls
gave us light. The Lord enabled me to speak and be under-
stood. To-morrow I go again (D. V.). The house is still by no
means repaired, but I wish the officials would allow me to
occupy it.
Please don't take thought for my being alone — I can never be
alone, thank the Lord.
From Mr. M. Beauchamp.
Ch'entu, November gth.
I have been writing a letter home, giving rather a lengthy
account of my first impressions of Si-ch'uen. It is a marvellous
country ; what teeming millions ! what need of workers ! Only
nine missionaries, and seven of them comparatively young and
inexperienced.
I hear that Mr. Gray Owen has returned from Chung-k'ing,
and left Mr. Studd living with Mr. Bourne [the British Resi-
dent], in the Ya-men. Mr. and Mrs. Sam. Clarke both seem
worn out, and will, I expect, be glad to be relieved [for their
furlough] ; they are extremely kind to us. I think Mr. Arthur
Polhill- Turner has written to you about our journey here, from
which you will doubtless gather that we had a very happy
time. I find travelling here more and more different from that
in the North.
The Lord helped me in giving a word here on Sunday evening
(Eng. meeting). My subject was Rest, taking Matt. xi. 28
as my starting-point. Without knowing His rest we cannot do
much in serving the Lord. It is a beautiful thought ; the Lord
inviting us to take His yoke, which makes all so easy, and our
daily burden a joy and means of grace, inasmuch as it brings us
nearer to Him. Christ, as our Brother or Burden-
Bearer, is brought out so clearly in Ps. Ixviii. 19 (R.V.).
From Mr. Arthur Pcliiill-Turner.
Ch'en-tii, Nov. gth.
We arrived on Friday morning, November 5th, and found
our four brethren all well and happy, and the Lord is blessing
us. I have felt the Lord indeed near to my own soul. This
morning I have a very sweet word in the morning portion of the
daily Psalms : " Be still, and know that I am God ; I will be
exalted among the heathen."
When you go home please tell our dear Cambridge brethren
that we are opening the work for them to come and help us in,
and that we are expecting them out in large numbers. Lord,
scatter them ! is my prayer for Cambridge. Only those who
have seen this province can at all estimate its needs.
I purpose staying here a month or six weeks at least, till
hearing further tidings of a house at Pao-lin. This would be a
capital place for head-quarters for any number of brethren or
sisters. There have not been sufficient workers to open out
country work. I find being here most suitable for study. Mr.
Clark takes great pains, and gives us an hour every evening in
going over the day's work, and I feel this to be the very thing
I need. My dear brother is making good progress in the
language: he writes a weekly discourse, which Mr. Clark
corrects for him.
^rribals front €btn;i.
Mr. and Mrs. Eason and family arrived from China by Fiench
mail on February 25th.
Sjmrt-si ^tob'xna,
From Mr. Hoste.
Hnng-t'nng, Nov. StA.
Mr. and Mrs. Bagnall are now up at Sih-chau, whither they
went at the close of the gathering here, which passed off very
well. The P'ing-yang Fu gathering was also a good time. Mr.
Bagnall baptised three men and three women. At Hung-t'ung
Mr. Stanley Smith baptised fifty-four men and two women.
Praise God !
Good news comes from Hsiao-i Hien, where Mr. Ch'u has
been staying for two or three weeks. He reports some thirty
who are interested and anxious to attend worship.
Mr. Hsi is very well, and through God's blessing things are all
harmonious in the church, with one or two exceptions. There
are signs of blessing coming here very soon ; there is a great deal
of readiness to hear the Word, and prejudice seems greatly on
the wane.
From Dr. Edwards.
Tai-yiien, Nov. 12th.
This evening we had a magic-lantein exhibition, and, as it
had become known outside that we should show some pictures,
a good many strangers put in an appearance, amongst them
being one or two expectant mandarins with their friends and
retainers. We first showed some pictures of foreign buildings
(St. Paul's Cathedral, etc.), and concluded with some scenes
from the life of our Lord. They were much interested in all
they saw, and one of the outsiders had evidently read the New
Testament to sorce purpose, for he recognised some of the pic-
tures and made pertinent remarks. When he saw the picture of
Judas betraying our Lord he asked, "And wasn't there one of
His disciples who said he didn't know Him ? " We hope to be
able to continue these exhibitions at intervals during the winter,
and in this way impress upon the minds of the patients and
others the chief events in the life of our Lord, and this will help
them to learn and remember the doctrine (as they call it) we are
always preaching about.
Sunday, Nov. 14th. — After morning service I had another
visit from the expectant mandarins, who came last Friday even-
ing. They had intended to come to the service but arrived late,
in consequence, I suspect, of their having to take their smoke of
opium before coming. This class of people have little to do, and
have certainly but little idea of the value of time ; and the con-
sequence was they stayed a long while, talking as usual about
anything and everything.
From Mr. Beynon.
A'rvei'-hwa-ch'eng, Aov. StA.
We are happy here, very happy, praise the Lord ! but I do not
want to give you a wrong impression — the work is terribly hard ;
you almost feel the daikness that envelopes the people, would
that they felt it themselves, but they don't. Do pray earnestly
for them and for us. Let me admit you into the secret-chamber
for a moment. I do so that you may know how to plead for us.
Dear brother, often tears come and relieve the heart that is
almost weighed down with sadness, an 1 which feels that it can
but cry, " Blessed Jesus, they don'' t want Thee." 'Tis too true,
but it does not affect His love. He wants them, and, oh ! 'tis
blessed to know that He means to have them. We have to win
them, so we labour, "as sorrowing, yet always rejoicing."
Blessed be God !
pepavturcs for (Tbina.
On March loth. — The Rev. (.. 1 . and Mrs. EaSTON per
P. and O. steamer Mirtapore, accompanied by Misses
Stewart, G. Muir, Burroughes, Britton, Mi Waiters,
Thomson, Johnson, McQuillan, Gates, MacKsb, and
Miller.
On March 24th.— Mr. ami Mrs. C. II. JODD and family,
accompanied by Misses GROV] >, WeBI BR, and PARKER, per
French mail SagkaNen from Marseilles on 27th.
China's Millions.
CHINESE DRUM AND GONGS.
fofje Substimcc of scfreral Jpbresses gtben burwcj a Conference of Missionaries of %
CJnna fnlmto fission.
BY J. HUDSON TAYLOR.
{Continued from page 155, Dec, 1886.)
EFORE referring to any incidents which took place during my journey to
China and first residence there, I shall just mention one case that gave me
great encouragement in seeking conversion, even in circumstances apparently
hopeless.
A short time before leaving for China, it became my duty to daily dress
the foot of a patient suffering from senile gangrene. The disease commenced
as usual insidiously, and the patient had little idea that he was a doomed man,
and probably had not long to live. I was not the first to attend to him, but
when the case was transferred to me I, of course, became very anxious about
his soul. The family with whom he lived were Christians, and from them I learned that he was
an avowed atheist, and very antagonistic to anything Christian. They had, without his consent,
invited a Scripture-reader to visit him, but in a great passion he had ordered him from the
room. The vicar of the district had also kindly come to see him, hoping to help him ; but he
had spit in his face and refused to allow him to speak to him. His passion, I was told, was very
violent and high, and the case seemed to be one of as great difficulty as one could well imagine.
may, 1887.
56 CHINA'S MILLIONS.
I prayed much about it, and for two or three days said nothing to him. By special care in
dressing his diseased limb I was able to lessen his sufferings considerably, and he soon began to mani-
fest a grateful appreciation of my services. One day, with a trembling heart, I took advantage of his
grateful acknowledgement to tell him what was the spring of my action, and to speak of his own solemn
position and need of God's mercy through Christ. It was evidently only by a very powerful effort of self-
restraint that he kept his lips closed. He turned over in bed, with his back to me, and uttered no
word.
I could not get the poor man out of my mind, and very often through each day I pleaded with God by
His Spirit to save him ere He took him hence. After dressing the wound and relieving his pain, I
never failed to say a few words to him, which I hoped the Lord would bless. He always turned his
back to me, looking annoyed, but never spoke a word in reply.
After continuing this for some time my heart sank. It seemed to me that I was not only doing no
good, but, perhaps, really hardening him, and increasing his guilt. One day, after dressing his limb
and washing my hands, instead of returning to the bedside to speak to him, I went to the door and took
hold of the handle, and stood hesitating for a few moments with the thought in my mind : — " Ephraim is
joined to his idols, let him alone." I looked at the man and saw his surprise, as it was the first time
since speaking to him that I had attempted to leave without going up to his bedside to say a few words
for my Master. I could bear it no longer ; bursting into tears, I went up to him and said, " My
friend, whether you will hear or whether you will forbear, I must deliver my soul;" and spoke very
earnestly to him, telling him, with many tears, how much I wished that he would let me pray with him.
To my unspeakable joy he did not turn away, but replied, " If it will be a relief to you, do." I need
scarcely say that I fell on my knees and poured out my whole soul to God for him. I believe the Lord
then and there wrought a change in the man.
He was never afterwards unwilling to be spoken to and prayed with, and within a few days he
definitely accepted Christ as his Saviour. Oh, the joy it was to me to see that dear man rejoicing in
hope of the glory of God ! He told me that for forty years he had never darkened the door of church
or chapel, and then — forty years ago — he had only gone to church to be married ; he could not be per-
suaded to go inside when his wife was buried. Now, thank God, he himself, I had every reason to
believe, was washed, was sanctified, was justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, and in
the Spirit of our God. Oftentimes, when, in my early work in China, circumstances rendered me
almost hopeless of success, have I thought of this man's conversion and been encouraged to persevere
in speaking the word, whether men would hear, or whether they would forbear.
The now happy man lived for some time after this change, and was never tired (the people in the
house told me) of bearing testimony to the grace of God. Though his sufferings were very great,
the alteration in his character and behaviour made the previously painful duty of attending to him
one of real pleasure. I have often thought since, in connection with this case, and with the work of
God generally, of the words— " He that goeth forth weeping, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless
come again rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him." Perhaps, if there were more of that intense
distress for souls that leads to tears, we should more frequently see the results we desire.
Soon after this came the time I had looked forward to for five years or more— the time that I
was to leave England for China. After being set apart, with many prayers, for the ministry of God's
Word among the heathen Chinese, I left London for Liverpool, and in due time sailed in the good
ship " Dumfries," conscious that many were following me with earnest prayer for protection and
blessing by the way, as well as after arrival in China. We must leave, however, till next month the
record of the answers to those prayers, in deliverance from impending shipwreck on our own coast,
and among the cannibals of New Guinea.
£^;v~< fo^Ay:
CHINA'S MILLIONS.
57
%xt iuc |ltgljt in (feeding fwincbtate %mn\t% < t
FROM MISS EVANS.
SHA-SHI. — Many of the women here seem interested
in the Gospel, and I do trust that ere long we shall
have cause to praise God for saving souls in this place.
Many dear friends say I am too sanguine, and that I think
people are interested when they only come out of curios-
ity. Grant that they do come out of curiosity, we embrace
the opportunity of telling them of Jesus and the way of
salvation ; and are we to suppose that the words spoken
are lost ? God's Word says, " It shall not return unto
Me void," etc. We pray and plead with the Lord to send
women here with hearts prepared to receive the message
of a Saviour's love ; women do come and listen most
attentively ; they come again and again, and each time
bring some more of their friends to hear of JESUS ; they
seem interested and our hearts are filled with joy and
gratitude to God for hearing and answering prayer.
Sometimes our hearts are so full that we cannot refrain
from speaking and perhaps writing about it, and then our
more sober friends who think we have to wait for a
number of years before we can expect to see souls saved,
criticise us. But where are we told in God's Word that
we have to wait ? The apostles did not wait on the day
of Pentecost ; they were filled with the Spirit, and what a
glorious result — 3,000 souls saved. This is what we want ;
and our Heavenly Father is so willing to fill us with His
Spirit. Our God is still the same — almighty to save ;
and are we to limit His power? Are we to think that
these poor Chinese women are too ignorant to understand
a Saviour's love ? God has all hearts in His control, and
He can melt the hardest heart and cause the dullest mind
to know His love. God forbid that I should ever come
to doubt His willingness or power to save.
I admit that oftentimes I am sorely tried with the
women, for when I have been speaking and have thought
that they were listening most attentively, one of them has
interrupted me with a question quite outside our subject,
such as how much rent we paid for our house, or what
wages we gave our cook. But it does not of necessity
show that the woman's mind had been running all the
time on these things ; the thought may have just come
into her mind and found expression, and yet some word
may have reached the heart, some little seed may have
fallen into good ground, and if God is pleased to bless it,
and to cause it to grow, to Him be all the glory. Our
confidence and hope is not in ourselves, but in the living
God, who is able and willing to do great things for us.
Oh, let us expect them, and then the sower and the reaper
shall rejoice together.
Jfirstfmits itt ITait-rljau,
FROM MR. GEORGE PARKER.
NOVEMBER 1 3/^. — 1 1 will give you joy to hear that
God is revealing His Son to some in this place ;
1 think the conformation to His image has begun with
several.
The man here who answers to Epenetus of Asia — a
firstfruit to Christ — is named Liang. It is nearly a year
since he heard the word of the Lord for the first time,
being on his way to a theatrical show. His grandfather
was tutor to the emperor Kia-ching, and afterwards held
office in Lan-chau ; his father held the degree of
kii-ren, but he has not quite attained that, being a kong-
seng ; he is a school-teacher, but was not a strict Confu-
cianist. Groping after more light, he studied Taoism and
Buddhism ; that he had been somewhat satisfied with his
attainments appeared one day when he stood up in our
guest-room and said to a friend, " I thought I had
washed myself clean, but when I read 1 Tim., I found I
was as black as ever ; imagine me being an elder."
It was copies of Matthew, Luke, and Acts in Southern
Mandarin which he purchased from me on the street which
first interested him. A few days after he called to make
my acquaintance, and to ask the meaning of the Sabbath,
of circumcision, and of baptism ; he said, " This book con-
tains truth ; how comes it to be expressed in such un-
worthy language ?"* I lent him Mr. John's new translation
of Matthew to Acts, and he afterwards read the New
Testament in the delegates version, and then the whole
Bible. " I must master this book and teach it," was his
decision. He was so struck with the early chapters of
* To a scholar, the Mandarin character, which is most gene-
rally intelligible, is not pleasing : he likes a higher style.
Genesis that he hurried oft to the college to show the
wonderful book to the Principal. The latter scanned the
title-page, his eye fell on the proscribed Name, and the
book was tossed contemptuously aside, and thus our
friend had his first experience of suffering shame for, as
well as believing in the Name. The devil began to
tempt him back to the classics ; " I sometimes took up
the Bible and sometimes our own books, and my heart
was quite unsettled. I still read to my neighbours, because
they liked to hear," he told me. I had now returned from
my longjourney through north-east Ko-ko-nor, and after
a few talks over the Bible it was decided that he should
specially study the gospel of Luke and the epistles of
Paul. " I see," he said, " the great importance of Romans
and Corinthians; will you read with me through Paul's
epistles ? " We read them with the Acts in chronological
order, and I marked the divisions, paragraphs, and key
sentences from Dr. Green's valuable papers in the " Bible
Educator," and was much helped by Scott's "Bible Out-
lines." In Corinthians he requested an explanation of the
propriety of the expression, " I have espoused you to a
husband that I may present you as a chaste virgin to
Christ." I referred him to the account of Adam and
Eve in Genesis ii., with Ephesians, " I speak of Christ
and His church." He exclaimed, " To-day my eyes have
been opened." We had a synopsis of Galatians and Romans
on two Lord's day mornings, the text in Romans being,
"The kingdom of God is righteousness, peace, joy."
The Lord was with us in examining the foundations
of our faith, and he remarked, " I now thoroughly
believe."
58
CHINA'S MILLIONS.
CASTING OUT THE IDOLS.
Mr. Liang chose the birthdays of the gods on which to
bid them farewell. The ceremony of expelling the first
was done openly from the door ; here he met with a
second rebuff. The neighbours, who liked to hear good words
from the book, protested against any action being taken in
accordance therewith ; some broke off all further commu-
nication with him, others used abusive language, a few
reasoned, " Why should you join the Romanists?" His
son wept and appealed ; his wife was silent. He came
to me in great distress of mind, having had several
restless nights. One man whom he had rebuked some
time previously for gambling was unreasonably violent in
language and demeanour. On the following Lord's day
we read of the sufferings and glory of i Pet. Said Mr.
Liang, " I have gone too far ever to give up the Truth ; I
expect I shall lose my button ; let them take it.'' " Taking
joyfully the spoiling of your goods," counting all things
but loss compared with the excellency of the knowledge
of Christ, what a blessed lesson learned ! Last time he
came his eyes were full of tears, and now they sparkled
with joy as he said, " I am not afraid now." He could
appreciate the opposition of Satan when it was pointed
out that he was the first in the city to dispute his
authority.
STUDYING THE WORD.
For a month past he has been studying at home, and
as difficult passages have presented themselves he has
brought them for explanation. Lost week he brought
i Pet. iv., the Spirit of Christ in Noah preaching in the
antediluvian age. In explaining to him the passage, " He
that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin " (the
slave-holder), taking the passage to agree with Rom. vi.,
and teach victory over the world, the flesh, and the devil,
by knowing the Father, being in union with the Son, and
possessing the Spirit, he remarked, " I have two experi-
ences agreeing with what you say ; my love for the thea-
tre has entirely gone, and I do not now quarrel with my
wife. The latter advantage may account for the wife's
silent consent to the change of religion."
Last Lord's day morningour topic was identification with
Christ. I was helped by Mr. Varley's letter on " Separation
unto God," in the last number of Word and Work to
hand, and by an address by the Rev. Handley Moule, on
"Union with CHRIST." In the afternoon, at the. commu-
nion service, the catechumens were present. After
reading I Cor. xi. I turned to the previous chapter, and
made the remark, " Once at the Lord's table, no more
attendance at Jewish altar or heathen feast." Mr. Liang
spoke out, " I understand ; tell it to the others ; my joy is
killing me."
Some days ago he said, " I love you as my father." He
is anxious to confess Christ in baptism, and for the for-
mation of a church. To-day he brought a friend who
wishes to be taught. Yesterday he saw such wonderful
truth in Ephesians which filled him with great joy all day, and
which he feels is of such importance that he intends it to
form the subject of his first address to the inquirers on
the first day of the New Year.
% IHsit fa n IHKagc in ^ban-si.
Prom the diary of mrs. key.
AFTER much prayer I left T'ai-yiien for the village of
Ni-tung, sixty-six //distant, taking our late school-
teacher with me as a helper. Although only such a short
distance (about twenty miles), it took nearly two days to
get there, the roads were so bad. Our cart broke down
twice, but we arrived at last in safety.
There being no inn, our man was directed to a house
where, three of the family having broken off opium when
Mr.Rendallwas in charge of the refuge, we received a warm
welcome, and the mother— an active woman of fifty-five
years — invited us to stay until we could rent rooms. We
accepted her invitation, and stayed two days. Soon the
house was full, all the neighbours having come to see
what sort of creature I was. Miss Lancaster had spent
two days here last year, and they compared notes as to
the differences in our appearance. At last, their curiosity
being a little satisfied, I began to talk to them about the
true God. A few of them knew of J ESUS by name. (Hit-
hostess knew a good deal about the Gospel, and I asked
her if she ever prayed. She laughed and said, " Oh,
no." I sang a hymn, and the women pressed us to sing
others until we were quite tired, and as tbis was dining-
room, guest-room, and bed-room all combined, and not
very large, the air was more close than agreeable. I
began to undo my bedding, thinking that would be a hint
for them to retire, but as they did not stir I invited
them to come again to-morrow, and went out to get a
breath of fresh air. On returning, I found my hostess
dressed in my night-dress, to the amusement of her sons
and their wives. The younger members of the family
soon went to their own rooms, and after commending
ourselves to the care of our loving heavenly Father, it
was not long before I fell fast asleep beside my old
woman and the old lady on her brick bed, and slept
quite as soundly as I should have done on a hair mat-
tress at home. Praise the Lord !
We were wakened very early next morning, as our good
friends took breakfast before starting for their work in the
fields. After a good time with a number of women, who
came early to see us, we went out for a walk in the fields and
came upon a small mat house, where two very old women
were watching their crops. After exchanging names and
ages, and asking each other if we had eaten our break-
fast, they invited us to sit down, and we tried to tell
them of the only true God, and of His Son Ji
CHRIST. Poor old creatures ! it was sad to see them so
entirely ignorant, and their sand-glass so nearly run
out. One of them seemed very interested, and pressed
us to come again next day.
When we were able to move into our rooms it was a
relief to feel that the door could be shut and one could
feel quite alone with GOD. Away from home it is often
difficult to get opportunity for quiet communion in China.
Over and over again during my stay in the village did I,
on rising from my knees, find the paper windows lorn
and people looking in.
In the afternoon we went down the village, and a few
women invited us to sit down and sing. My woman can
sing the hymns very well, and after explaining " Jesus
loves me," we sang it, and soon a large number of women
gathered. I had with me a catechism which puts the
Gospel truths very simply ; most of the women listened
quietly to it and asked questions, and I believe several
were really interested. May the HOLY Spirit water the
seed sown and make it bear much fruit. My own soul
was much refreshed. They asked us to come soon again.
How wide open the doors are for work among these
our poor Chinese sisters ! May many of our more
CHINA'S MILLIONS.
59
privileged sisters at home listen and hear the Holy Spirit
telling them to come and carry the true light to those
who are sitting in this terrible heathen darkness ; if
the Holy Spirit is leading He will make the way clear.
CAVE-HOMES.
Visited a few cave-homes ; found a poor woman,
the wife of a barber, in great distress. It was the
oft-repeated story : the husband, a heavy opium smoker,
ill-treating his starving wife and children. She had
intended to kill herself several times, but the thought of
her two little boys had prevented her, she said. I told her
of the love of Jesus, and prayed with her. She seemed
comforted by a little sympathy, and pleased when I told
her I would pray for her and her husband. She said
she would pray to God to give her husband a good
heart.
Next day started for a large village eight li off. Soon a
number of men and women gathered round, but as no
foreign woman had been there before the curiosity was very
great. Some of the women invited us to come inside,
which we were glad to do, and the rooms were soon
packed. We found that a large majority of the women
in this village were heavy opium smokers, and they were
more interested in general questions, some of them very
silly ones, than in hearing the Gospel.
Walked to a village a few li off, by invitation of a
woman who visited us in Ni-tung. She gave us a hearty
welcome, invited all her neighbours in, and we had an
especially good time, feeling much of the Master's
presence. One woman was deeply impressed, and, I
believe, really felt her sins. She said she had never
heard of Jesus ; why had I been so long in coming to tell
them? (I have often been asked this question.) She
seemed so glad when I told her Jesus was ready now to
give her a clean heart, and while explaining prayer, and
telling her that the Holy Spirit would teach her, she
said, " Draw out my heart." May the Lord water the
seed in this heart !
Called on the barber's wife and found her on the ruins
of her cave home ; the late rain has slackened the soil,
and the roof had fallen in She, with two men, was dig-
ging to get out the few articles buried. Poor creature !
One instantly thought of Job and his calamity. She said
herself that it was God's goodness to her that no one was
in the house when it fell in.
Also visited the two old women in the straw-mat house
in the field. One dear old body, I truly believe, is simply
trusting in Jesus as her Saviour ; she is so happy ;
and although she inquires what I eat, and many such
questions, yet she is more interested to hear the Gospel.
Took a number of tracts and Gospels and started early
or a village over the hills. After a good climb we reached
the top, but only saw a temple ; went on and rested there,
finding an old man and hi3 wife, who had lately come
from Kwei-hwa-ch'eng. The old woman wept bitterly at
her lonely condition, having left a daughter and all her
friends there. My heart was sad to leave her surrounded
by dumb idols. I can only pray that the Holy Spirit may
bless the reading of the Gospel and tract left with them.
We had already walked six miles and could not go further,
as we wanted to get back before dark.
Visited several of the homes I had been to before. One
woman told me she daily worshipped God, but on further
inquiry I found it was the sun and moon she had been
worshipping. How one does feel that it is living among
them that the dear women need, and daily teaching. I saw
this woman several times after, and have reason to believe
she is, in a humble way, trusting and praying to the true
God. If only many of our sisters in England could taste
the joy of telling the story of Jesus, I feel sure there
would not be such hesitation in leaving all at home,
because we assuredly prove God's Word true — we receive
a hundredfold.
Stayed at home for quiet reading, but had lots of
visitors. One gets to truly love the dear women ;
they come as a matter of duty when they don't see me
about.
Went to see the two old women in the straw hut.
They told me it was three days since I had been, and
they had wanted to hear more of JESUS. My woman read
part of John vi., which I tried to explain. The old woman
was troubled lest God should not be quite pleased, as she
had been hindered in prayer by wandering thoughts.
Visited a place where they were grinding corn. They
did not seem to care for my presence, and asked me to
come another day. At another place the women invited
us in, and were very talkative, but did not seem interested
in the Gospel. We distributed a number of tracts among
the men.
Visited the two old women watching their crops, and
spoke about the Lord's Day. The old woman thought
it very strange, but herself suggested the plan of buying
in necessary things the day before. It is quite a
pleasure to visit her and to see her mind opening out to
the truth ; she is so anxious to learn more.
finding a friend.
Went to a village five li off and sat down on the road-
side with a few women. After the customary questions
were answered, my woman began to tell them of the true
God, and while she was speaking a respectable man
listened some little time and then said he had heard all
that at T'ai-yiien Fu, and went on to tell the people about
Dr. Edwards, and that he cured people for nothing, and
explained the Gospel very clearly, though whether merely
from head knowledge I could not say. He pressed us
to come into his house out of the heat, which we were
glad to do. We distributed quite a number of tracts and
Gospels in this place.
Visited Tung-shu, a village six li off. A very friendly
woman invited us in, and soon a number gathered.
They had never heard the glad tidings before, but listened
very attentively. The people pressed us to come again
soon, and one woman insisted on sending her donkey
for me.
Went to see a Chinese couple married close by. The
husband was fourteen years of age, the bride seventeen. I
was very much solemnized to see them lying with their faces
on the ground, worshipping heaven and earth. The whole
ceremony was entirely of the earth earthy ; no invoking
the blessing of the true God to guide them in their new
relationship. My old friend from the straw-hut was
among the onlookers, and came to me in great trouble
because she had lost the copy of the Gospel that I had
given her. She was not at all ashamed to speak out
about it before the surrounding crowd. Would that many
at home cared as much for the written Word of God as
this poor dear old woman does !
Had a large number of visitors this morning ; one an
old woman, who had brought a basketful of vegetables
for me. I had found her in great trouble. Her daughter,
being a heavy opium smoker, ill-treats her ; she also
takes opium, and said it was not worth while to break it
off, as she was seventy- five yearsof age, and hadtaken it for
thirty years. I felt sorry to see her pay so little heed, ap-
parently, to the Gospel, but on questioning her to-day she
answered fairly well, considering her age, and listened
more attentively. May the Holy Spirit have the
victory over Satan in this aged sinner ! She said
she should send her donkey for me to visit her soon
again.
6o
CHINAS MILLIONS.
It is two years to-day since our little party left England
for this land. How much of the loving-kindness and
forbearance and tender mercy of God I have ex-
perienced. Praise His name ! Not one thing hath failed
of all.
Ah interesting boy of sixteen years came quite early this
morning to learn further to read. He got a tract some
little time ago, and has used every spare moment over it
when home from his daily work. He pleaded several
times to stay to our private reading, but we did not think
it wise to let him ; so he would quietly go outside and
listen at our paper windows while my woman and I read
together and exchanged thoughts, and often the next
morning ask some questions as to what we had been
reading.
Had a large number of women this afternoon and held
a short service, speaking of the Living Bread. One
woman said, "We don't know these things : why has no
one ccme sooner to tell us ?"
This is market-day here, and there is great excite-
ment over the buying and selling. When one thinks of
the quiet Sabbaths at home, with so much to direct one's
thoughts heavenward, one can sympathise with the
Chinese Christians in their many failings.
We were invited by a husband to come and visit his
aged wife. We found her a very nice woman, but almost
blind, and very anxious to know if our doctor could do
anything for her if she went into the city. She pressed
us to stay the night, and in the evening showed us the
skins of two serpents that her son had caught for her to eat
to cure her cataract ; " but," she added, very pitifully,
" they did not help me much." We had a good time with
her household and a few of the neighbours.
Had a number of visitors, many of them asking me to
stay longer, and others inviting me to come back next
summer. Some asked why I could not as well live in the
country as in the city. Before returning, we went to pay
a second visit to the larger village eight li off. At first,
people who had not seen us on our previous visit did not
seem friendly, and my woman got a little timid. I assured
her that the Lord would not suffer any harm to befal us,
and just then a woman came out of a house and gave us
such a shout of welcome, and said, " Don't you remember
my visiting you when I came to see the theatricals ? "
and then she told the crowd that I had pressed her to
have dinner with me. Her few words soon won the
people to friendly feeling, and the very man who had
called us " foreign devils " invited us to come to his house
to drink tea. We were glad to go in out of the heat to
the house of the woman who had befriended us, and
had a very good time, distributing a lot of tracts.
How sad to leave all the different villages without a
single witness for Christ, and the people so friendly and
willing to listen. Next morning a strong cart took us into
the city. I had thoroughly enjoyed my stay, been refreshed
in soul, and felt ever so much stronger in body for the
change of air. Such a happy life we have out here
telling out the love of Jk
% girfc ilctoarir.
" Every one that hath left houses, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or children, or lands, for My Name's
sake, shall receive a hundredfold!' — Mat. xix. 29 (R.V.).
T^HE following quotation is one of very many similar testimonies received from our missionaries in
-*- China. Oftentimes they contain private allusions and cannot be published. We do not give
the name of the writer, but many will rejoice in the assurance that the Lord has indeed satisfied the
heart of His servant.
'~pHIS is the anniversary by the day of the week oi my
_L landing — a never-to-be-forgotten day. The first year
of my life in China had a blessed beginning, for which I
do not cease to praise ; but, true to Himself, our Father
has made it more and more blessed all the way through,
and He did, indeed, keep the best wine until last. I do
wish I could thank Him more for giving me the joy of
those precious days at Shanghai. I so very often feel
what an old man once said to Miss Havergal, " He's
been particularly good to me." I wonder if those delight-
ful Bible-readings and times of prayer were as much to
all the others as they were to me? Oh, I do trust that
the fruit of them will appear in the life and work of each
one of us through this year and always.
In my diary I find entered under January 17th, 1886,
" Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me.''
Words cannot express the deep joy I have in the sense of
His presence, His all-satisfying love and all-sufficient
grace." If that was true then, and it was, what shall I
say now ? Just the same, only it is more deeply true.
Yes, He is more to me now than twelve months ago. I
do thank Him that I can say I know Him better than I
did then ; and how blessed it is that this wonderful
" finding out " is to go on and on and on, and that there
is no coining to the end of it.
The words that have fastened themselves on my mind
as a personal motto for this year are, " That I may know
Him and the power of His resurrection, and the fellow-
ship of His sufferings, being made conformable unto His
death."
I know that one year can only bring a very small part
of the fulfilment of this, but I do want practically to
understand something more of its meaning every day,
and while I do praise the Lord with full heart for giving
me a year of such rich privilege and personal blessing, I
could not be satisfied with the thought that the coming
one would simply bring a repetition or increase of the
same ; I want that the past shall only be preparation for
much blessing through me to many dear Chinese women.
I know you are asking this for me, and will plead with
me, Malachi iii. 10 — " I5ring ye all the tithes into the
store-house, that there may be meat in Mine house, and
prove me now herewith, saith the Lord of Hosts, if I
will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you
out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to
receive it " — which 1 have taken as this year's motto for
the work.
I thank God for the longing for souls He has given
me, and for the confidence that He is going to glorify
Himself in me and throughout our Mission.
»**»■■"■«■«"■■ "»'""■
62
CHINAS MILLIONS.
SDIje gjegratratton ot % Whsmtn.
FROM MISS ANNIE TAYLOR.
LAN-CHAU is a very wicked city ; the marriage
relationship is not looked upon as sacred. Twice
when visiting the sick I have had it said to me, in
reference to a wife, " Do make her well, for if she dies I
have no money to buy another ! " A woman here is just
looked upon as so much merchandise ; a girl is either
sold when quite young ro a man she has never seen, and
who will very likely beat her, or she may be sold as a
slave. Wife-beating is common even among the better
class. Is it to be wondered at that many cf them commit
suicide?
Three girls took opium on the same day in different
parts of the city, and all died. I was called to one of
them, aged eleven, but was too late to save her.
I met with a poor little girl who had been sold as a
slave. She told me that her father died, and her mother
and youngest sister went away, she did not know where ;
that her aunt took her and sold her to a mandarin's wife,
who was very cruel to her, beating her and not giving her
enough to eat (she looked half-starved). Now she had
been sold again, and was on her way to another man-
darin's wife.
Two little girls, living in the same compound as I do,
have been taken away from their mother ; their father
being dead, the grandmother sold them, with their mother,
who was to be the wife of the purchaser. He was kind
to them, but, the grandmother dying, their great-aunt,
who is my landlady, got one of their uncles to go to the
ya-men and claim them, and give them over to her, as the
eldest is now of a saleable age. Poor little things ! — she
does beat them so unmercifully !
The women are very ignorant, not one in a hundred
being able to read. A large proportion — about sixty per
cent. — smoke opium. They are sunken low in degrada-
tion and vice, their very faces being disfigured by passion.
They are thieves and liars, never telling the truth even in
little things. And such are the mothers of immortal
beings whom they are training for eternity !
Who will come and help to raise them ? They are
going down, down into hell, and there is no one but me
in this great city to witness for Jesus amongst them.
Mr. Parker is now trying to come into the city three
days a week to preach and sell books. Yes, the labourers
are few.
The weather here is now very cold, but bright ; the
climate agrees well with me. I like living alone ; God
is so near. I feel more and more my nothingness and His
omnipotence. God has been blessing me much. He
has said, and He will bring it to pass — " I will bless thee,
and thou shalt be a blessinsr."
**
(§0, tuorh to-bajj/'
" They need not depart ; give ye them to eat." " Who will go for us? . . . Here am /, send me. y '
Weary and famishing far away,
Thousands and thousands there are to day
Hungering for no earthly bread,
For it is not thus that souls are fed ;
'Tis " Oh, for the Bread of Life ! " they cry—
" Come over and help us, ere we die I "
Weary are they, but no earthly rest
Can soothe the heavily-laden breast.
" Come unto Me," said One ; and why
Do they pass the loving Saviour by?
Alas ! they are blind, they cannot see ;
And no one will lead them to Calvary !
Waiting and list'ning for help to come ;
Crying aloud, but the heavens are dumb !
Oh ! it is pitiful — nay, 'tis wrong!
Why have we Christians held back so long ?
" Give them to eat," was the Master's word :
Surely His children have not heard I
Eyes that have never beheld the light,
Hearts that are sealed in the deepest night,
Souls that have hungered for better Bread,
And are dying now— because Hope is dead !
Who will go forth in the Master's name,
And tell them why Jesus, our Saviour, came ?
Lonely and perishing ! — Christians, why?
Go to the Master, and make reply.
Why are we disobedient still ?
Why are we choosing our own will ?
Why, when those long-neglected lands
Stretch to our shores such pleading hands ?
" Who will go forth ? : ' — 'tis Jesu's voice
Bidding His servants make the choice :
Self,— or the heathen beyond the sea ?
Self, — or the Saviour who died for thee ?
Loving and swift may the answer be —
" Here am I, dearest Lord, send me 1
" Give me the message straight from Thee :
Let me an emptied vessel be ;
Then with thy blessed Spirit fill
And make me ready to do Thy will ! "
So shall we sing, O Saviour dear —
" Thine is the kingdom " even here !
J. E. B. B.
CHINAS MILLIONS.
63
®it % §0rtrers of lllcmgolhi.
,F./?CW Att?. GEORGE CLARKE.
KWEI-HWA-CH'ENG.— As regards the work here we
have much to thank God for. The people are
friendly, and they listen, as a rule, very well. Our house
being on the main street, we get a good number of people
in daily. After tea is the best time, then we often have
one or two hundred men listening to the Gospel. We
have had no conversions, though we see a few who are
interested. One desires to see the work of the Holy
Spirit in their hearts, leading them to real repentance
and to Jesus.
This city, though included in Shan-si, is really in Mon-
golia. Every Chinese landlord has to pay a ground rent
to the Mongol lamas, so this is really the first Protestant
mission station in Mongolia.
The Romanists have a work along a line of about six
hundred miles from Kalgan at different points, but though
professedly among the Mongols they have very few of
this people ; Chinese immigrants form their converts. The
priests rent large plots of land from the Mongol princes,
and this land they rent to any poor Chinaman who will
learn to chant. After I had finished speaking last night,
an old watchman said to some men : " Protestants are not
like the Romanists ; I have been in Mongolia Proper,
and there they have many converts, for they will take any
vagabond upon confession of sin and promise of reform,
and set him up in business, or give him land to farm."
Dec. Aoth. — The Mongols seem a kind sociable people.
At times a very friendly lama brings some of his male and
female Mongol friends. I invited him and his friends and
fellow lamas to see the magic lantern a week ago to-night ;
we had a crowded house of Mongols and Chinese, and
many heard the Gospel. I learn many Mongol words
from him. He came the next day, and I spoke to him of
the Saviour. He said, " I am going to collect my land-
tax ; have you any Christian books ? I want to buy a copy
of every book you have, either to sell or give away, and I
will tell people to worship Jesus. If they don't under-
stand I will tell them to come to you." I very gladly sold
him books, asking, " Why do you not trust Jesus ? " " If
I did," he replied, " I should have to turn my back on the
temple, and where would my food come from ? ' Pray for him.
I propose to exhibit the lantern and preach, if possible,
from a stage in a temple near here. Two days ago four
foreign priests and about one hundred packages on camels
or in carts passed westwards, going to Kan-suh and other
places.
EXTRACTS FROM THE DIARY OF MISS FENTON
TTAN-CHUNG.Z'^. igt/i.— After praying for it a long
■*■ -*■ time, a boys' school has been started about a fort-
night ago ; a teacher who lived in the country, and keeps
a boys' school which is closed in the winter, came and
asked to be baptised. He has long been interested, and
has taken away all his idols out of his schoolroom, and
taught his boys about Jesus, so much so that one boy
refused to worship idols when told to by his father, who
was very angry, and flogged him, and then refused to pay
the boy's school fees. Mr. Pearse wanted, before baptis-
ing this teacher, to see more of him; so asked him if he
would stay and teach some of the Christian boys, receiving
no fees but only food and lodging. He was delighted,
and is now teaching ten or eleven boys.
Our woman's husband, who has smoked opium for
many years, has been at the hospital for some time now,
as he wishes to give up this dreadful practice. Before
going he gave all his opium apparatus to Mr. Ho. Dr.
Wilson is much pleased with what he has seen of him.
We are all praying for his conversion ; the dear old
woman is so thankful for this step ; she told Miss Muir
that some time ago she vowed that if any one would per-
suade him to give it up, she would be that person's slave
for three years. Well, he has given it up without any one
pressing him, so Miss Muir said it was all of the Lord,
and she must be His slave.
Before Mr. Ho went down the river he examined the
children, and gave them a catch sentence to write, con-
taining several different characters of the same name.
One girl thought she would never be able to remember all
the strokes ; she said she remembered having something
to do like it once before.and she asked the Lord, and He
helped her to do it. She told Miss Muir, " I did not
kneel down, but just looked down on my book, and told
the Lord all about it, and asked Him to help me to re-
member ; when it was written I gave it to the teacher,
and there was not one wrong stroke. The other girls
asked me how I had done it, and I told them all
about it." She finished up with, " Yes, the LORD does
hear and answer prayer."
On Wednesday, Miss Muir and I went down to Shih-
pa-li-p'u, and stayed till Saturday. We had a splendid
time, thank God. Close on three hundred people must
have heard the Gospel, and we only found one who knew
anything of it.
We are praying, dear Mr. Taylor, that the LORD may
use you more than ever, and that the result of your visit
home may be the full consecration of hundreds to work
among His heathen. We are asking for thirty men
and thirty women for Si-Ch'uen, and for twenty for
Shen-si.
Saturday, Jan. 8th. — A letter from Mr. King asking
Mr. Pearse to send some one to Hing-gan to meet Miss
Legg ; while praying, it occurred to us that Miss Muir
and Miss Drake should take a boat and go down; they
both needed a rest, and as school broke up on Tuesday,
they were not needed so much.
Jan. \oth. — A suitable boat was found for Miss Muir
and Miss Drake.
Jan. nth. — After dinner went down to arrange their
things on the boat, but none of the things I wanted had
arrived. It was bitterly cold, so I went outside and
walked up and down. There was a boat touching ours,
and some women were in it ; I had an intense desire
to go and speak to them ; so I asked the Lord if it were
His will for me to go to let one of them ask me, and
also to give me words to say. Very soon one of them
invited me to sit down. I went on board, and sat on a
bundle of cows' hides, and never before have I found it
so easy to say the little I knew. The people understood
me, and I most that they said. To God be all the glory.
It was the first time I tried to tell the Gospel in China ;
there was no one else to do so, and the opportunity was
not to be lost.
6 4
CHINA'S MILLIONS.
Before the othen came the bamboo partitions were up,
beds made, etc.
Jan. ]2//i. — I am having native meals — at least, for
breakfast and dinner ; tea I have dispensed with, and have
cocoa and bread when I want it ; it saves trouble, time,
and money. For some months I have been praying to
be alone with the natives somewhere. God has answered
prayer, and here I am with them nearly all day long. I
have no teacher, either of the three children who live here
do nearly as well ; it is holiday time, and they are all
busy getting their things ready for the new year.
Sunday, Jan. i6//t. — During the night snow had fallen
about six inches deep. Our woman, the three girls, and 1
went to service. After dinner visited one house with Ma
Ta-sao.
An old woman came in to see me ; she said she
had been thinking much of me as the others were away.
She could not stay for the evening meeting for the roads
were in a dreadful condition, but had come to see how I
was ; wasn't it kind of the old body ? We went over the
texts and the hymns she knew. She is not a Christian,
but not far from being one, I fancy.
FROM MISS ANNIE MARS TON.
'"TS'IN-CHAU, KANSUH.— The last time I wrote to
-*- you it was from Han-chung Fu, was it not ? Now it
is from a different city, and a different province. So you
will see that I have made a journey, will you not ? I
think to-day I will tell you something about that journey.
From Han-chung to Ts'in-chau the distance is about 250
miles. Reckoning forty miles an hour, it would take a
little more than six hours to travel that distance in
England by train. But here we have no trains, you
know, or omnibuses, or coaches, and, in fact, no road —
nothing that we should call a road in England — only
narrow paths, up hill-sides, or along the banks of brooks.
The carriage I travelled in was a sedan chair carried on
the shoulders of three men, while my luggage was carried
by mules. I was very comfortable in this chair, with
pillows to make it soft, and a nice warm rug to cover me,
and some books, and a basket of provisions.
You will know that I was very sorry to say good-
bye to the children there, and, indeed, to every-body.
The two ladies with whom I had been living came with
me for some distance outside the city, but at last I
]iad to say good-bye, and they went back. Soon after
they had gone, the country began to get very pretty. The
road lay along the bank of the river Han, not a large river
here at all, but narrow and shallow, still, very beautiful.
After going thirty //', we reached a small place where we
stopped and had some mien (stuff made of flour and
water), a very favourite food with the Chinese. Here
they hardly ever eat rice, but nearly always mien, only the
mien they make here is not in fine shreds, but in broad
strips.
About dusk we reached the place where we were
to spend the night. The servant, T'ang, had found a
room for me and the woman who accompanied me, at the
back of a large inn. You must not fancy an English
hotel when you see that word. The room into which I
went was so dark that at first I could see nothing ; when
I got used to the darkness, I saw a wooden bedstead at
one end, a small table and a large cupboard, and a great
deal of dust and dirt ; nothing else. However, it did not
take very long to wipe the dust away, and to light a
candle which I had in my basket, and they soon brought
me a cup of tea and set about preparing food. Then my
bed — or what does instead of a bed when travelling, a very
thick wadded quilt — was brought in and arranged for the
night, and I felt quite at home. After tea we had prayers
together, and then wished each other good-night. No
strangers even came to look at me. Next morning we were
up and away at daybreak. Our journey lay through beauti-
ful country, along the side of such a pretty stream.
Every day the scenery seemed more beautiful than the
day before, till at last we came to a very high hill, so
steep that I could not let my chair-bearers carry me, but
walked up it. We began the ascent at six o'clock in the
morning, and you may imagine that when we reached the
highest part, at nine o'clock, we were very glad of some
breakfast before beginning the descent. We came down
most of the way on our feet, too ; in many places the
ground was slippery with snow and ice, so the chair-
bearers had their work cut out to carry the chair and
themselves. After this, we had much the same kind ol
journey every day, and I had many nice walks.
Often when we stopped in the evenings, women and
children would come to my room and talk to me, and I
told them about the true God and Jesus Christ. You
would be surprised to see the things that are used to sleep
on in the inns. At one end of the room there is a raised
sort of place made of mud — of course well hardened. In
one side of this raised place are two openings, which pass
right under it. These are stuffed full of dry straw, reeds,
etc., which are then lighted, and by this means the
"k'ang," as it is called, is made very hot. I think I might,
perhaps, like it in very cold weather, but I do not like it
at all, as a rule, and would never have the fire lighted
when I was in time to prevent it. We were twelve days
travelling altogether, and were very glad at last to know
that we should reach Ts'in-chau the next day. Although
the road between Han-chung and Ts'in-chau is so
beautiful, Ts'in-chau itself is not nearly such a nice place
as Han-chung. It is a very long city, and its wall is made
of mud ; I am afraid it would not keep out the English
soldiers. There are plenty of hills around, but at present
they are very brown and barren, and will be so for the
next two or three months. But we have beautiful bright sun-
shine and fresh air. The people all say they want it to
rain very much ; the earth is so dry, that they are afraid
for the crops, and they none of them know that only the
true God in heaven can give them rain, so they go to the
temples to pray for it.
To-day I went to a house where there were so many
nice little children, and they all sat round me and
listened so earnestly while I told them about the Lord
JESUS giving His life for them, and then they said
they wanted to trust Him, and love Him, and be His
little children. Will you pray for them, and ask the dear
Lord Jesus who loved you and them to take care of them
and teach them to love Him? There is a little girl sitting
by me now whom I am teaching every day, and I believe
she is beginning to love Jesus. Her name is Mi-ku ; she
is only twelve years old, but she is quite a little woman,
and can be so useful in many ways. I hope all of you
who love the Lord Jesus yourselves remember every
day to pray for your little brothers and sisters in China
who don't know anything about Him, Do you? and what
else are you doing for them ? You are all doing some-
thing, are you not? When I was a little girl I did not
like reading anything very long, and I expect you don't
iether ; so now, once more, good-bye.
CHINA'S MILLIONS.
65
iMiritrgs farm Sraltair WZmfaxz,
J\imrg-su ^xobiMt,
From Mr. J. W. Stevenson.
Shanghai, Feb. 2$ra.
Another week of joyful service gone and many mercies. The
Lord is with you as He is with us. The shouts of victory will
triumph over all the wails of despair or failure. With such a
Lord we ought to serve with a will, and yield Him all we have
and are at all times. He is worthy of more than we can give,
but He will not despise our poor all.
Last Saturday we had a good China Inland Mission prayer-
meeting, and it was interesting to hear the stories of the conver-
sion of Mr. Johnston and Mr. Frank McCarthy. I was pleased
beyond measure with dear Frank's testimony. Praise the Lord !
He is an earnest young Christian; his manner is frank and
manly.
From Mr. Cardyvell.
Shanghai, Feb. iya,
I am glad to learn from our daily paper that you had a quick
passage home, and sincerely hope you arrived much refreshed by
the voyage and strengthened for the much and varied work which
lies before you in England. We are satisfied that the presence
of the Lord has gone with and will abide with you ; so long as
you and we have this assurance we fear not, for in His presence
is fulness of joy, and the joy of the Lord is strength.
In proportion as we realise this and lay hold of its all-sufficiency
in the same measure shall we know and feel its power for service,
and its balmy consoling influence of rest and peace. " Ye know
Him, for He abideth with you, and shall be in you."
We do not cease to pray that all needful grace and wisdom
may be granted to you, especially in connection with the sending
out of the hundred. You will be pleased to know that the pray-
ing band is still on the increase. I have been led to pray also
that a hundred of the converts may be stirred up to go forth in
faith, preaching everywhere, for I feel they would be a power
worth five hundred foreign missionaries. May the Lord grant
us this double joy.
You will be glad to know we have taken over the land here.
The transfer cost ten dollars, and I have since had to pay the
ground-rent to the Tao-t'ai, amounting to about eighteen dollars.
The right of way through the road by the fence is fully established.
From Miss M. Black.
Shanghai, Feb. 2T,ni.
It is a joy to know that you are at home, and that our loving
Father, who does not disregard the prayers of His children, will
soon give you the hundred and the "exceeding abundantly," and
send you back to us in His own time.
We are a small party here now ; there are only Mr. and Mrs.
Bailer, Miss Kerr, Mr. Stevenson, Mr. Landale, and myself.
Miss Kerr may get off for T'ai-yuen Fu next week, provided Dr.
Stewart arrives in the meantime ; she is indefatigable in sailors'
work, and is toiling at the language. Messrs. Bailer and Landale
are still absorbed in their literary labours. Mr. Stevenson seems
to know where to go with his responsibilities ; if he did not, I
think he would find them heavy now.
I am hoping that the next English mail will bring the second
instalment of the hundred.
I have had letters from Hsing-gan, dated Jan. 15th. The
party [Mr. and Mrs. Geo. King and Miss Emily Black] arrived
on the previous day, and were looking out for a house. All were
well, and had enjoyed the journey very much.
You will see from Mr. Hutton's letter that the friends at
Fan-ch'eng are praying for the hundred. I had a cheery letter
from my sister [Miss Jane Black] yesterday, written on the 4th
inst.
Mr. Landale referred at the missionary prayer-meeting the
other day to the remarkable answers that we had lately had to
prayer about funds, and about the hundred, and I think it
would have pleased you if you had heard Mr. Herring (American
Baptist Mission) pray for us, and for the donor of the passage-
money for the forty.
From Miss Kerr.
Shanghai, February $th.
The journey out was full of happiness and blessing. Quite
a number of souls were saved in our first ship. The blessing
spread from the sailors to the officers. My heart praises the
Lord for all His great love and care.
In the evenings I am going to Miss Fowle's meetings for the
sailors, while doing as much Chinese study through the day as
possible.
The arrrangements you have made since I was in China seem
to me to be so very good, and I praise God for all He has
enabled you to carry through. May He prosper you equclly at
home, so that the work may go on expanding continually. The
hundred are coming. Praise the Lord.
Cljelj-hrancr, ^xabmtL
From Mr. M. Harrison.
Ning-hai, Dec. 2$/h.
It was very cheering to hear such encouraging reports from
the north, but looking at the state of things here, in the light of
those reports, one is apt to feel downcast : inside the church,
coldness, and outside indifference, or in very many cases deep-
seated hatred. I am glad to be able to say that I am in the best
of health, and still busy at my studies. I had a good many
visitors at first, but not so many lately. The preacher and I
spent an afternoon lately amongst the villages to the south-west,
and were well received.
From Mr. Sayers.
Bing-yang, Nov. l$th.
The work here is progressing favourably ; yesterday we had
nearly 100 Christians and inquirers present, and best of all,
many of them are earnest, devoted men. From time to time we
visit Dong-ling, and also another station, ten miles to the south-
west which the Christians have opened themselves. There seems
to be a large population, and room for twenty more men and
women on the large plains around without a witness for the Cross.
Dec. yd. — It is with great joy I join in pleading for 100 more
workers, the land does indeed need them. I believe He who
has led will lead, and there has been no failure in Him in the
past. I trust the last day of the month may be a time of great
blessing ; the Lord cannot close His ears to our cry.
From Mr. Guiersow
Dong-ling, Dec. 1st.
I came here over a week ago to remain till the end of the
year, D.V., Brother Sayers and myself have thought it well to
separate for a short time, in order to get on better with the
language. I have been visiting the Christians and inquirers,
staying over night in their homes, and tasting of their hospitality.
It has been a very blessed time, and I now feel so much more
personal interest in them. I think the work is most encouraging.
For some time now I have sought to say a word or two in the
chapel on Lord's Day afternoons, and have been greatly helped,
and had much ioy in my own soul.
#ait-Ijbjttg Wxobmtt,
From Miss Jessie Robertson.
Hivuy-Chau Fu, Dec. 2.<)th.
The Lord in His goodness brought Mr. Kay and me safely
here after a pleasant journey across the hills. We spent the
Sunday at Ta-t'ung with Messrs. Botham and Graham Brown ;
Mr. Botham was not feeling well, but was very cheerful and
happy.
On our way we stopped at a number of towns and villages,
and were pleased to see in some of the houses pictures of the
Sower and the Prodigal Son hung upon the walls ; Brother
Reid had been visiting those places and selling parable pictures.
The seed sown will spring up, although after many days. The
people were very friendly, and asked many questions as usual.
66
C&IAA'S MILLIONS.
It made my heart very sad as we left those poor people in utter
darkness, and no one among them to tell the glad tidings.
When will the church at home be awakened to the responsi-
bility, and come out to the rescue ?
My prayer as I entered the gate of the city was that I might
be a living witness to the truth as it is in'jESUS, and that I may
not rest satisfied until I have carried the gospel message into
every home in this city. I claim the promise, " Delight thy-
self in the Lord, and He shall give thee the desires of thine
heart."
During Mr. Kay's absence the two most promising inquirers
who are next-door neighbours opened an opium den ; they have
been attending services and morning prayers for five months.
The Lord have mercy upon them, and save them from the
power of the evil one. May our brother not get weary in well
doing, for in due season he shall reap if he faint not.
jfu-itan Jrabinte.
From Miss E. Wilson.
SAa-s/i't, Dec. 1st.
I think you would like to know how busily we are at work
here ; some one gets outside the town nearly every day. Mrs.
Riley takes the women visitors on alternate days while Miss
Evans goes out, and Miss Fosbery and she go out generally on
the days when Miss Evans is at home. I go as I can and when
I can, and much enjoy talks with those who arc specially inte-
rested ; it is such joy to speak to those who are willing to hear. I
was out with the ex-priest yesterday, saying a few words to the
women, which he followed up with many more ; we were asked
to stop at many doors, and some hundreds must have heard a
little. It is by no means useless walking along the river-side or
on the street, if one is not asked in, as it leads to more women
calling. I have no doubt that the Lord will give me just the
right work as I wait on Him and He gives me strength.
j&hm-tljau ||robin«.
From Mr. Andrew.
Kwti-yang Fu, Nov., \$th.
I am glad to tell you that we baptised a school-girl last Friday :
hers is a very consistent walk, and I hope she will be made a
blessing. Some months ago several desired to be baptised, but
seem to have drawn back. One man who attended the meetings
and applied for baptism more than two years since, and then
fell back much, has recommenced attending ; he had preserved
his Testament and hymn-book, and I hope we shall yet see him
a Christian.
We have had large attendances lately in the preaching shop.
Sometimes I take a concertina and we put up a hyma-sheet on
the wall and sing, then many come to listen, and we preach
between the singing of each verse. We have fair attendances
at evening prayers. The male members of the church are learn-
ing to sing by the tonic sol-fa notation, prepared in Chinese. I
am thankful we are well.
From Mr. Windsor.
Kwei-yang Fu, Nov. $th.
From the commencement of the opium-refuge until now, a
little over four months, thirty-eight persons in all have entered :
twenty-two have broken off the habit and left, ten left for various
reasons before they were cured, and we have now six. Three
of the ten were officials (one of them had six servants constantly
waiting on him), who left because I would not permit gambling in
the refuge. They went away in a pleasant manner, saying they
could not pass away the time without gambling, and now they
recognise me when I meet them on the streets. The men, when
in the refuge, hear much of the Gospel, but the majority of Ihcni
cease attending the meetings when they have been out a few days.
We pray that what they have heard and the witness of our lives
which they have seen may, through the working of the SPIRIT,
have a lasting eflect upon their minds. The results up to the
present have not been so satisfactory as I anticipated. I hear
that one or two of those who were cured are smoking a little
opium again.
Christian life has been at a very low ebb here the last two cr
three months, some of the members have permitted the devil to
get a hold of their hearts and have apparently yielded to his
temptations in many things, and there has been far from a spirit of
brotherly love. Satan knows very well that a divided church is
useless and a disgrace to God ; it cannot work, and hinders many
precious souls from entering the kingdom of God. One or two
of us have been often at the throne of grace agonising on behalf
of the work, and the Lord has heard and in a measure answered
our prayers. The rays of the Sun of righteousness are again
beginning to be seen and felt, but as yet all the darkness is not
scattered. Much, very much, prayer is needed that the light from
the Church of God may be kept pure, for the darkness around
being so great, the least speck is seen by the outsiders ; but, above
all, it bringssorrow to the heart of the Saviour who has suffered
so much to redeem a pure Church unto Himself.
gun-nan |)robhuc.
From Mr. John Smith.
Tali Fu, Oct. i2'/i.
We have sometimes inquirers here, but they seem to be of the
stony-ground class ; still they are hearing the Gospel of the grace
of God, and through the Holy Spirit is as powerful now as
when Paul wrote Romans i. 16. One man came in to-day who
said he had read the gospel of Luke in Chung-k'ing, and wanted
further instruction.
Our schoolboys continue to give satisfaction. A few days ago
Suan-ho, who is perhaps the brightest of the six who aie
Christians, told me that he thought a seventh boy had decided
for Jesus. We praise God for these boys, and as we know that
for many yeais prayers have ascended to God from thousands of
His children for this place, we reckon on His faithfulness, and
watch for the rising of the Sun of righteousness to chase away
the darkness. I have not yet got any further than searching
God's Word for the blessings we have in Christ and claiming
them for myself.
From Miss Malpas.
Yun-ihin Fu, Nov. 6th.
It is not much more than a week since dear Miss Todd wrote
and told you that we had removed to a new house, and that there
was some difficulty with the officials. Since then we have been
very unsettled, not knowing how matters would end ; we believe
the Hien mandarin has done his be^t to remove prejudice, but he
thinks that we should give up the house, or he cannot be respon-
sible for any trouble that may arise, as the people of Vun-nan
are in an unsettled state for various reasons. It seems that
they were afraid we meant mischief in renting a house so near
the Fut'ai's ya-men, and said we must be spies. It is rather
amusing that they should be afraid of two single ladies. So it is
decided that, as Mr. and Mrs. Eason are leaving, we shall return
to the chapel-house. The Lord alone knows how much we feel
in having to leave this place ; it seemed to be just what we had
been praying for, such a good centre for work. How much I
have felt the power of the enemy trying to hinder the spread of
the Redeemer's kingdom, but still we know that "all things
work together for good." Some good has been effected in that
it is well known in the ya-men now that we are English. One
day the Hien came to see us, and we gave him a book and some
tracts, which, we were told, he took to four officials in higher office
than himseK We pray that the truth may reach their hearts.
The Lord reigncth, and it will not be long before " He shall sec
of the travail of His soul and shall be satisfied." For my own
part such settled rest and peace in my own soul — peace which
passcth all understanding, it is blessed to have the Lord as our
Keeper, and to know that no evil can befall us. We cleave to
Him, for lie hath said, "I will in no wise fail thee, nor will I in
anywise forsake thee."
It is often our privilege to see women deeply impressed, but
we have not yet the joy of seeing them willing to confess Christ
and give up all for Him ; still we sow in fa'tli : the good seed
which was sown in my heart was a long time before it began to
grow.
CHINA'S MILLIONS.
67
From Miss Todd.
Yun-nan Fu, Dec. Jl/i.
The Lord used me last week in saviDg the life of a dear girl,
seventeen years of age, who had taken opium. Her friends
seem very grateful ; her father-in-law and her husband came to
thank us.
jSi-djW Urobina.
From Mr. Samuel Clarke.
Chen-tit, Jan. 1st.
During the past year there have been five baptisms here, four
men and one woman. There have been no deaths or suspen-
sions. Considering what has taken place in the province, I
think we have cause for rejoicing. There are also two candi-
dates.
Jan. 26th. — In reference to your proposal that I should under-
take to direct the studies in Chinese of the new-comers who are
to work in Western China, I think the idea is a good one, and I
am willing to do the best I can for them. I think Chen-t'u is a
most suitable place for preparatory studies for the five provinces
you mention. I daresay we are all prejudiced in favour of the
dialect we have happened to learn, but for all that I do not think
there is in China a dialect more widely reaching, or one spoken
by a greater number of people than the dialect spoken here.
Of the dialects it is most like Pekinese. The people here
sometimes remark that I speak Pekinese, I fancy because they
detect some difference between my pronunciation and theirs, and
because, probably, I use more strictly mandarin expressions than
they do. The difference between the dialect of a Hankow man
and a native of this province appears to me to consist in this,
that the Hankow man does not properly open his mouth ; the
tones are the same, and what other differences there may be in
pronunciation are so slight that English orthography is unequal
to expressing them. I have heard Mr. Phelps, who studied in
Shen-si, and Mr. Beauchamp, who studied in Shan-si, and
their dialects are substantially the same as this.
In reference to this dialect, it ought also to be borne in
mind that Si-ch'uen is the largest, most thickly populated, and
most flourishing province in Western China. Si-ch'uen men are
swarming into the neighbouring provinces of Kwei-chau, Yun-
nan, Shen-si, and, I fancy, Kan-suh. This will greatly affect
the dialects of these provinces.
I am very glad to hear that so many have agreed to pray for
another hundred missionaries. I think every one of us here is
making it a matter of prayer. I hope a fair share of the new-
comers will be sent to Si-ch'uen; there is room for the whole
hundred to work in this province, but of course we do not hope
or ask for the next hundred all to come here.
I am thankful to say we are all well.
Jlan-sulj Igrflbintt.
From Miss Barclay.
Ts'in-chait, Nov. $th.
The Christians are going on brightly. We began a Chinese
prayer-meeting last Wednesday. The natives are asking that
they may be used to bring others in. The Lord is working in
Ts'in-chau ; we are praying that we may not hinder. Last week
I was at one place on the other side of the city, where there are
several who appear interested in the gospel. I stayed the night
with them. VVe want so much to get more amongst the people.
Those who have lately been brought in are mostly those who
have been about us a good deal. A visit of an hour or two
occasionally is not to be compared to a few days spent in their
houses.
We had a very happy Sunday again yesterday ; though the
weather was not good, we had good meetings. It is so nice to
have dear Miss Kinahan with us, and it makes us more free for
outside work. We are very happy here. It will be two years
next week since I landed in China. How much I have jound
out in that time of the goodness and faithfulness of GOD. It is
quite true one gets to knoio Him out here hi a way one never does
at home. We have some Mohammedan girls spending the day
with us, and I must go row and entertain them.
From Miss Kinahan.
Ts'in-chau, Oct. i$th.
I do feel that God has led my footsteps here, and that I am
in my right niche. My times are in His hand for the present
and the future. Praise His dear name ! I cannot praise Him
enough for all the way he has led and guided and cared for me.
I never felt better in my life. I am very very happy here with
the two dear sisters (Misses Marston and Barclay), and I trust
I may be spared to be useful to them and the work.
$jrm-si ^xobmtt,
From Mr. Cassels.
Han-chung; fan. 18th.
By Mr. Pearce's advice I went to Pao-ning Fu, taking Mr.
Studd's luggage on thus far, also silver and letters for Mr. Phelps.
I scattered seed at all the places on the way and was so glad to
meet with the brethren Phelps and Gray Owen at Pao-ning. I
spent two days with them in prayer and consultation. Then I
went on to Pa-cbau, where I sold books and spent one day.
From Pa-chau I still went east to Tung-kiang Hien, where I
spent two days and disposed of the rest of my books and
tracts.
Having no more books I returned with all speed to Han-
chung by Hsi-ho-k'eo, being absent thirty-two days. The whole
district is hilly and does not appear populous, but yet there are
vast crowds of people found at all the markets, which are held
constantly.
Tung-kiang reminded me of Ta-ning Hien (in Shan-si),
though it is a much larger place. Like Pa-chau and Pao ning,
it has water communication with Chung-king. Books sold most
readily in the Tung-kiang district, and thus confirmed what was
told me that it had been scarcely visited by missionaries. Roman
Catholics abound, but they are not favourably regarded. There
is a foreign priest at Pa-chau, where, however, a large number of
converts have lately " turned their heads," as I was told. Several
other places have native priests.
The seed all along the way was sown with much prayer, and
I expect to reap in due season ; but apart from this I am very
glad to have this opportunity of getting an idea of the Si-ch'uen
people and the country. My visit has stirred me up to prayer on
behalf of the province. I have great hopes for the work ; it is
the purpose of our glorious God to abolish the idols utterly and
to be exalted amongst the heathen. If we, His instruments, do
not let, who shall let His blessed purposes ?
I am now thankful for an opportunity of being in Han-chung,
and hope to profit by a stay here, and by the grace of God to get
a few weeks of downright hard work at the language.
I am glad to be reminded about the hundred workers for
1887, and will endeavour to unite with our brethren in oneness
of purpose and prayer.
From Mr. Hogg.
Si-gan, Dec. 20'h.
I am now entering upon my third month here this visit ; so
far I have had fairly good health, and have not had any difficulty
in remaining. I have been reading Chinese, have preached in
the streets in the evenings, have had conversations with indivi-
duals about the Gospel, and have made myself more familiar
with the city. I have increased the number of my acquaintances
too, and I think I have learnt something more of the people,
their language, and ways.
I feel thankful that so many are in prayer for Si-gan, and I
trust that the Lord will shortly make evident His power here.
So far I have not seen any evidence of interest in the gospel, but
a little patience and the waste places shall break forth on the
right hand and on the left. Praise God for the tokens for good
at Ts'in-chau.
From Mr. A. Orr Ewing.
T'ai-yiien, Dec. 23rd.
Mr. Sturman and I are living together at the opium refuge (the
Memorial Hospital), and, although he of course does all the
work, I see a good deal of the patients, and am truly interested
in thetn. They come into our rooms and male themselves quite
68
CHINA'S MILLIONS.
at home, and we have asked the Lord for the souls of all the
patients ; several have been interested in the truth, and one
who has all but completed his time is causing us great joy by
admitting that he believes in the true doctrine.
There are continual answers to prayer wf ek by week, and I
feel sure we shall soon be able to tell of many getting blessing.
Among the Christians I am certain there is more health of soul,
and this is the first step to better work among the unsaved.
From Mr. Terry.
Kwei-hwa-cli eng, Dec. 2isl.
On Tuesday, Nov. 2nd, Bro. T. H. King and I started for
Ta-t'ung, and arrived there on Saturday night. We were not
able to do much on the road ; half the distance is between moun-
tains ; one innkeeper bought thirty-two cash worth of books, and
Bro. King spoke several times to those gathered in the inns,
which were good. After spending a few days at Ta-t'ung, we
visited Tso-wei Hien, only 120 li to the west. We found the
people civil, and willing to listen to our message ; we stayed
a day and a half, and sold 700 cash worth of books. On
the return journey we sold some books at Kao-san. We did
not stay long at one time in Ta-t'ung, though the people were
very friendly, thinking it better to work the surrounding district,
and make that our centre. At one place we had a good sale of
Scriptures, although it had been visited by an agent of the
British and Foreign Bible Society.
We spent a day among the villages from twelve to twenty li
south of Ta-t'ung, and I cannot tell you the joy that came to my
soul as I looked upon a group of men gathered round one of
their number listening attentively while he read aloud a portion
of God's word. These poor people had possibly not heard the
name of Jesus before.
After this we took a journey east to Tung-ching-chi. This is
only a small place, but does a good trade, and has a fair every
three days ; books went off quickly ; we sold 950 cash worth, all
we had, and could have sold many more. We spent a Sunday
with Mr. Roberts at Kalgan, who was staying thirty-five //away.
He is a good friend to us, and a great help in the forwarding of
letters.
The return home was very cold, and being unable to change
silver we had to ride eighty // without food.
I left Ta-t'ung for Kwei-hwa-ch'eng on the 13th, and arrived
here on the 17th. This is my first journey without another
foreigner. The Lord was very good to me, and enabled me to
settle satisfactorily with the innkeepers. Isold 120 cash worth
of books on the road, and as a rule slept with the Chinese
and ate at their table. It is a cause for thanksgiving that we
are able to move about with such freedom. This journey affords
another proof that China is open to the preachers of Christ.
It does seem more than ever that the fields are white unto har-
vest. Oh that many may be led to look upon the vast fields
of dark, dark China !
From Mr. Bagnall.
P'ing-yang, Dec. gl/i.
Mrs. Bagnall and I were at Sih-chau when I wrote last, and
I think I told you of my pleasant visit to Ta-ning Hien, and of
the happy time spent with Pastor Ch'u. He is indeed a bright,
happy, humble Christian. Since returning from Sih-chau, I
have paid another pleasant little visit to Hung-t'ur.g, where Mr.
Hoste is now staying with Mr. Stanley Smith ; they both seem
very happy — full of faith and hope. Mr. Stanley Smith had
just returned from a week among the villages near Chao ch'eng,
and hopes to follow it up every month. I am indeed thankful
for this, as we all feel the dear Christians sadly need sound
teaching.
Last evening heard from Mr, and Mrs. Key, who are staying
near Ta-ning Hien. It is so good for the poor women to have
a lady staying with them for nine or ten days ; they were look-
ing forward with much pleasure to Mrs. Key's visit when I was
there.
We are getting along pleasantly here, with the exception of
one case of persecution at a village. The country work is quiet.
There are a few men in the opium refuge, and some interesting
cases among the patients. I am holding a nightly Bible-reading
after evening prayers, and am much encouraged by the ap-
parent interest shown. Our Sunday services are well attended,
and the number of women that come is very cheering.
From Mr. Hoste.
Hung-t'ung, Dec. Sth.
We have the custom here of an open door at all hours, so that
study is liable to be interrupted. Our dinner hour is the time,
however ; we generally have squads of six or eight, who sit on
forms and watch us eat, carrying en conversation freely. There
is no doubt it pays, though until one definitely takes it as in the
commission, it is apt at times to be exasperating to have one's
meal interrupted to give a lesson in geography to someone who
wants to have the mysteries of one of Mr. Stanley Smith's wall
maps explained to him. It gives grand opportunities for preach-
ing the Gospel, and then a hymn or two, accompanied on the
harmonium, fairly sweeps away any lingering prejudice against
us, apparently. I doubt not that not a few who have heard the
main facts of true religion put before them in a conversational
way at this time have taken into their minds and memories a
fund of new ideas, which may at any time, through divine
power, give life to their souls.
There has been severe trial in connection with the opium
refuges of Mr. Hsi ; in nearly all there have been deaths, and
just now there appears to be a decided aversion on the part of
the people to come in.
From Mr. Stanley Smith.
Hung-t'ung, Dec. 8th.
Since I last wrote I have been up to see about the ladies'
opium refuge. When they arrive they will find an admirable
place awaiting them. You ascend a hill in the town of Hoh-
chau ; the 'houses few, nicely open spaces abounding. At the
top of the hill you see an unpretending gate large enough to
admit a cart. On entering you see a large courtyard, fifty yards
by twenty. This is theirs ; flanking this on one side are three
smaller courtyards — the north the ladies' courtyard ; the middle
the women's opium refuge ; the south yard the men's opium refuge,
separated by a wall and entered by a door on another side. The
rooms are admirable and numerous. I trust next year there will
be a glorious work there. I went to visit one village where
there was a young Christian, and six or seven young fellows
interested. But was only there at Hoh-chau some three or four
days.
Later I started for Chao-ch'eng to go round eleven villages
in which there are believers ; it was indeed an intcres'.ing time.
I saw enough indeed to make one's heart rejoice. In two vil-
lages we had a family strip the house of idols ; it was grand,
having worship and praise after abolishing the wretched objects
of worship. But the message I felt led to give in every village,
as well as the Gospel, was the Lord's coming, telling them it
was good for them to turn from idols, and better to serve the
living and true God, but don't forget " to wait for His Son
from Heaven " — that blessed hope, the glorious appearing of our
great God and Saviour, Jesus Christ. How glorious ! " caught
up," " for ever with the Lord ! " Weil may we comfort one
another with such words.
In most of these little villages they have now chapels or
worship rooms. The blessed work is spreading : it must : God
is with us, nay more, in us, and He will work to will and to do
His good pleasure, which is to save guilty man.
«3lvriba(s antr Jlcpartuvcs.
On Match 2$th. — Mr. and Mis. Hunt and child reached
England, for rest and change.
On April Jth, per P. and O. steamer Hydaspes, Mr. and Mrs.
Armstrong, Miss Knight, and Miss Ellis left for the Che-
foo school, accompanied by Misses M 1'. S "i I, .\. A.
Miles, H. Judd, E. Culverwell, L. M. Forth, and by Miss
Stewardson, of the Bible Christian Mission.
China's Millions.
CHINESE EATING HOUSES.
&{)e Substance of sebcral ^boresses $om bnring a Conference of missionaries ^ %
Cjnna Jfnlanb Hussion,
BY J. HUDSON TAYLOR.
(Continued from page 56.)
N THE 19th of September, 1853, a little service was held in the stern cabin
)f the Dumfries, which had been secured for me. Then came the parting
from my beloved mother, which I can never forget, and which gave me, as
well as my dear mother, to understand more fully than ever before the
depth of that love to a perishing world that led God to give up His only-
begotten Son. What must He think when He sees His children indifferent
to the needs of that wide world for which Christ died !
" Hearken, O daughter, and consider, and incline thine ear ;
Forget also thine own people, and thy father's house ;
So shall the King desire thy beauty :
For He is thy Lord ; and worship thou Him."
Praise God, the number is ever increasing who are finding out the exceeding joys, the
wondrous revelations of His mercies, vouchsafed to those who " follow Him," and empty-
ing themselves leave all in obedience to His great commission.
Our voyage had a rough beginning, but many had promised to remember us in constant
prayer. No small comfort was this, for we had scarcely got outside the Mersey when a violent
equinoctial gale caught us, and for twelve days we were beating backwards and forwards in
the Irish Channel, unable to get out to sea. The gale increased ; when we had been out
nearly a week, we lay to for a time ; but, drifting on a lee coast, were compelled at last to make
sail, and endeavour to beat off to windward. The utmost efforts of the captain and crew,
however, were unavailing, and on Sunday night, September 25th, we found ourselves drift-
ing into Carnarvon Bay, each tack becoming shorter, until at last we were within about a stone's
June, 1887.
7 o CHINA'S MILLIONS.
throw of the rocks. About this time, as the ship, which had refused to stay, was put round the other
way, the Christian captain said to me, " We cannot live half an hour now ; what of your call to
labour for the Lord in China ? " - I had previously passed through a time of great conflict, but that was
over ; and it was a great joy to feel, and to tell him, that I would not for any consideration be in any
other position, that I strongly expected to reach China ; but if otherwise, at any rate, the Master
would say it was well that I was found obeying His command.
Within a Jew minutes after wearing ship the captain walked up to the compass, and said to me, " The
wind has freed two points ; we shall be able to beat out of the bay ; " and so we did ; and, though the
bowsprit was sprung, and the vessel seriously strained, in a few days we got out to sea, and the neces-
sary repairs were so thoroughly effected on board, that our journey to China was, in due time, com-
pleted.
One thing was a great trouble to me that night. I was a very young believer, and had not sufficient
faith in God to see Him in and through the use of means. I had felt it a duty to comply with the earnest
wish of my beloved and honoured mother, and for her sake to procure a swimming belt. But in my
own soul I felt as if I could not simply trust in God while I had this swimming belt ; and my heart had
no rest until on that night, after all hope of being saved was gone, I had given it away. Then I had
perfect peace, and, strange to say, put several light things together likely to float at the time we struck,
without any thoughts of inconsistency, or any scruple !
I have ever since seen the mistake that I made — a mistake very common in these days, when errone-
ous teaching on Faith Healing does much harm, misleading as to the purposes of God, shaking the
faith of some and distressing the minds of many. The use of means ought not to lessen our faith in
God, and our faith in God ought not to hinder our using those means that He has given us for the
carrying out of His own purposes.
For years afterwards I always took a swimming belt with me, and never had any trouble about
it ; for after the storm was over the question was settled through the prayerful study of the Scriptures.
God gave me then to see my mistake, probably to deliver me from a great deal of trouble on such ques-
tions as are even now being raised. When in medical or surgical charge of any case, I have never
thought of neglecting to ask God's guidance and blessing in the use of appropriate means, or of neglect-
ing to give Him thanks for answered praj'er and restored health. But to me it would appear as
presumptuous and wrong to neglect the use of those measures which He Himself has put within our
reach, as to neglect to use daily food, and suppose that life and health might be maintained by prayer
alone when food was refused.
The voyage was a very tedious one. We lost a good deal of time on the Equator from calms, and
when finally we reached the Eastern Archipelago (the monsoon being against us, it was needful to take
the eastern passage), we were again detained from the same cause. Usually a breeze would spring up
soon after sunset, and last until about dawn. The utmost use was made of it, but during the day we
lay still, with the sails flapping, often drifting back and losing a good deal of what we had gained during
the night.
This happened notably one day when we were in a dangerous position to the north of New
Guinea. Saturday night had brought us to a position some thirty miles off the land, but during the
Sunday morning service, which was held on deck, I could not fail to notice the captain look troubled
and frequently go to the side of the ship. When the service was over I learnt from him the cause — a
four knot current was carrying us rapidly towards some sunken reefs, ami we were already so near that
it seemed improbable that we should get through the afternoon. After dinner the long boat was put
out, and all hands endeavoured, without success, to turn the ship's head round from the shore.
As we drifted nearer, we could see the natives plainly rushing about the sands, lighting fires here
and there. The captain's horn-book informed him that these people were cannibals, so our position
was not a little alarming.
After standing together for some time in silence on the deck, the captain said to me, "Well, we
have done everything that can be done ; we can only await the result." The thought occurred to me,
and I replied, "No, there is one thing we have not done yet." "What is it?" he said. I replied,
" Four of us on board are Christians "(the carpenter and our coloured steward were Christians, as well
as the captain and myself) ; " let us each retire to his own cabin, and in agreed prayer ask the Lord to
send immediately a breeze. He can as easily send it now as at sunset."
The captain agreed to the proposal. I went and spoke to the other two men, had some united
prayer with the carpenter, and we all four retired to wait on God. I had a good, but ver}' short, time
in prayer, and felt so satisfied that the prayer was heard that I could not continue asking ; so very soon
CHINA'S MILLIONS.
7i
I went on deck again. The first officer, a godless man, was in charge of the deck. I went up to him
and asked him to let down the clews or corners of the mainsail (the corners of the sail were drawn up
to lessen chafe from the flapping of the sail against the rigging). He asked me, " What would be the
good of that ?." I told him we had been asking a wind from God, that it was coming immediately ;
and we were so near the reefs by this time that there was not a minute to lose. With a look of incre-
dulity and contempt, he said with an oath that he would rather see a wind than hear of it! But while
he was speaking I watched his eye, and followed it up to the royal (topmast) sail, and there, sure
enough, the corner of the sail was beginning to tremble in the coming breeze. I said to him, " Don't
you see the wind is coming ! Look at the royal !" " No, it is only a cat's paw," he replied (that is a
mere puff of wind). "Cat's paw or not," I rejoined, "pray let down the mainsail, and let us have the
benefit of it."
This he was not slow to do : in another minute the heavy tread ot the men on the deck brought
up the captain from his cabin, to see what was the matter; and, sure enough, the breeze had come. In
a very few minutes we were ploughing our way at six or seven knots an hour through the water, and
the multitude of naked savages whom we had seen on the beach had no wreckage that night. We did
not altogether lose that wind until we passed the Pelew Islands.
So God encouraged me, ere landing on China's shores, to bring every variety of need to Him in
prayer, and to expect that he would honour the name of the Lord Jesus, and give the help which each
emergency might require.
4<
gags d ^\mmn% itt fnlaittr Cjjim"
Morgan and Scott, 12, Paternoster Buildings, E.C.
THIS is the title of a book containing an account of
the editor's visit to the province of Shan-si last
year. It includes full verbatim reports of the special
meetings held at T'ai-yuen, most of the addresses having
been revised by the speakers. An abridged account of
these meetings was given in our December number
last year.
The testimonies of the native speakers at the Hung-
t'ung, P'ing-yang, and Hsi-ts'un conferences are also given,
much as reported in the January number of China's
Millions, together with additional matter and later
intelligence. An instructive account of the whole pro-
vince, taken from Dr. Wells Williams' " Middle Kingdom,"
is appended ; and the whole is made more interesting
and intelligible by a valuable map of South Shan-si, and
a plan of the villages and towns of the Hung-tung and
Ch'au-chengcircuits, underthe careofMr. Stanley P. Smith
and Mr. D. E. Hoste. It can be procured at our office,
4, Pyrland Road, N., price is. 6d., or through any
bookseller.
'CJnmi's %mtal Ittetr antr Claims — Stbmtlj (SfoiltoiT."
Morgan and Scott, 12, Paternoster Buildings, E.C.
pHE shilling edition of this book was out of print
■*- for some time. It can now be had either through
our publishers or from our office. Quantities will be sup-
plied at a reduced price to any friends who will aid in its
circulation, on application at 4, Pyrland Road, N.
Skrrcxrfo m C ai-jntw Jfu, S|ran:-si |pr0tmta.
FROM DR. EDWARDS.
T'AI-YUEN FU, February \j,lh.— Do you remember
that in 1884 you gave us each a card with that
verse, " The Christian's desire ? "
Lord Jesus, make Thyself to me
A living, bright reality ;
More present to faith's vision keen
Than any earthly object seen ;
More dear, more intimately nigh,
Than e'en the sweetest earthly tie.
For some year or more our copy has hung in a place
where I see it every day when at home, and I have been
able to make it my constant prayer. You know full
well how frequently the Lord Jesus uses means for
granting our requests of which we should never have
thought, so it has been in our case, for in the sorrow
recently come to us I have learnt far more of the Lord
Jesus than I knew before.
As the old (Chinese) year drew to a close, we looked
forward to the New Year holidays as a time when we
should enjoy a little rest. On the last day of the year,
however, our darling boy took ill, and on the second day of
the New Year (January 25th) a rash appeared, which we
thought and hoped would be chicken-pox, but it turned
out to be small pox. My wife and I nursed him, and
hoped and hoped for his recovery until Friday last, nth
inst., when the Lord came and took our dear babe to
7 2
CHINA'S MILLIONS.
Himself. Since our Saviour wanted him we would
willingly and without murmuring part with him, but his
going has left a terrible blank, and our hearts ache.
God has graciously revealed Himself to us in the
midst of this sorrow, as " the Father of mercies and the
God of all comfort " as never before, and we look for
further blessings. Many of the Chinese about us feel
the loss, too ; and we do pray that the death of our little
Henry may be the means of the salvation of some. We
know we shall have your prayers and sympathy.
A little Chinese girl, aged five, whom we have here,
took the disease at the same time as our dear baby, but
has had a mild attack, and is doing well.
Miss Broomhall was taken ill about twelve days after our
baby, but has the disease in a very modified form. To-
day is only the sixth day of the rash, and already the spots
are drying up. She is doing remarkably well.
[We learn by telegram from T'ai yuen, dated April
16th, that all were then well.— Ed. C. M.~\
Irajur anslmrtrj in: Cai-jnun Jfit.
FROM MR. STURMAN.
*T^HE PRAYER for blessing on the work in this city at the T'ai-yuen Conference, and the
*- continued prayer since, have been cheeringly answered. Our readers will remember that in our
February number Dr. Edwards mentioned that at an early morning prayer meeting Mr. Orr Ewing
prayed (on September 26th) that at least one soul might be given them that da)', and that in the
afternoon Miss Broomhall's little maid told her she had decided to be a disciple of the Lord
Jesus. On October 29th Miss Broomhall wrote of three other old schoolgirls, and of two women
who were attenders of the Sunday services, confessing Christ. In our last number Mr. Orr
Ewing speaks of answers to prayer week by week, of our patients in the refuge for curing opium-
smokers professing faith in Christ, and of several interested in the truth. The following extracts
from Mr. Sturman's letters show the answers are still coming. Let us continue to pray in faith ;
there is much more to follow.
TA'I-YUEN, January \c,Ui.— We heard from Mr.
Stevenson about the request for a hundred new
missionaries, and very gladly do we all join daily in the
prayer.
I am sure you will be delighted to hear of bless-
ing in the Opium Refuge. One man, a mason, has come
out and confessed Christ. Praise God ! Last Sunday
I had just returned from school, and was feeling a little
downcast, because of the seeming hardness of the hearts
of those to whom I had been speaking. I went to the
LORD with it; a few minutes after this man came and looked
in at my window. I asked him in, and, as soon as he was
seated, I said to him, " Why do you not give your heart
to God and let H im hereafter be your Master ? " And he
replied, "That is just what I wanted to tell you ; I have
done it, and I believe fully in Jesus," he said, with great
stress.
I could not help saying, " Praise God ! " and then
went on to talk with him. After a little while he said,
" But my heart is not happy." I asked why. He said,
" You know I have a brother and mother at home : they
do not know about Jesus ; and you say they can only
get to heaven by faith in Him; how could I be happy
and see them in hell ? " " Well," I said, " you must go home
now and tell them what you know, and we will pray for
your family, and the Lord may lead them also to believe."
He was delighted about this, and said " My brother is re-
ligious and recites prayers every night ; if only he would
put that hot heart on this Gospel (taking up my New
Testament) that would be good ! "
He asked many questions about working on Sunday,
and other things, which a man who had not thought
a good deal would not have troubled about ; but he
wanted teaching the LORD'S will, and seemed anxious
to do it. He has gone home now full of joy, and one of
the last things he said was, " My brother smokes opium ;
pray that he may also come here; then you can teach him,
and I can teach my mother St home," The Lord keep
hjm bright,
On Saturday last had a most interesting man in. He
came once before, and seemed very much interested ;
but one could not make him feel the real need of a
Saviour. He took away a New Testament, and now
there are only a few chapters in Revelation that he has
not read. He was here fully two hours ; said he always
prayed to Buddha, and on one occasion, when almost
dying, Buddha " appeared to me, and I was instantly
healed." He wanted to have Christ and Buddha, and
for a long time was proof against all I could say. At last
I said, " Have you a son ? " He said, " Yes." " Well, now,"
I said, "if your son came in here and honoured me as his
father, and took no notice of you, how should you like it ?
Would it be right or wrong? " " Ah," he said, lifting both
hands, " that is right. I see it now ; it is wrong to wor-
ship a man (for he admitted Buddha was only such) and
forget the Father of all. I will never worship again
any but GOD." Then we had a most interesting conver-
sation, and had prayer together before he left. The
LORD lead him clearly out into the true light. This is
two since last mail upon whose hearts the Spirit is
surely working. Praise the LORD !
February 7//1. — I am sure you will be interested to hear
of our trip to the south, and of the Lord's blessing by the
way. I think I told you in my last that Mr. Orr Ewing
and I proposed going to Sih-chau during the time
the Opium Refuge was closed. We left accordingly on
January 20th, but had not gone far when Mr. Orr Ewing's
horse became lame, and it was with difficulty we got him
to Fen-chau Fu.
On Friday we left for Shao-i Hien to visit a man who
had been a patient. We spent the evening with him, and
it was interesting to find him with his New Testament
and hymn-book. Though the family were there, he said
several times that he was trusting the Lord, but we did
not like to see the idols about. 1 trust that he will come
clearly out. He pressed us to stay for a few days and
teach him, but we were unable.
On Saturday we left for the village where the Chiis*
CHINA'S MILLIONS.
73
tians are, that we might spend Sunday with them. They
gave us a royal welcome. On Saturday we had a little
gathering, and another on Sunday morning. In the
afternoon we went to a village five li distant, where two
other Christians were living ; we had a very refreshing
time there, and returned to the first village for evening
service. The Lord gave me great liberty in preaching,
especially on the subject of His second coming. Oh, how
those dear people's faces beamed as they heard this precious
truth, probably for the first time : we had real blessing.
The eldest son of the family where we stayed, a man
of thirty, confessed his decision to follow the Lord Jesus,
after the evening service. We intended leaving very
early in the morning, but they were before us, and
we had another gathering early before leaving. They
besought us to spend a few days there, but we were bound
to leave, so they followed us out, and parted with us in
tears. It did one good to see such love. Poor people,
one feels how much one would enjoy a month with them,
to lead them on to know the Lord, for really they are
very, very ignorant, though sincere, I feel sure.
On our way home, while taking dinner at Hii-k'eo
Hien, a man brought two gospels to be explained. He
listened most attentively until we had to leave, really
seeming anxious to learn of the Lord. He gave me his
ca • at t'ai-yuen fu.
The first to welcome me home was the man who was
converted in the Refuge. He has had some trials during
the New Year's festivities, but has been kept, and is full
of joy in the Lord. He asked me if I would come to his
house and preach if he collected the people. They all
know, he said, that I worship the Lord, but I know so
little that I can tell them. I like so much his earnestness
about the souls of others.
Yesterday, after the afternoon service, four of the men
confessed faith in the Lord. We do praise God for this.
One who is sick prayed with Mr. Orr Ewing after some
little conversation. The LORD is with us, there is no
doubt about that, and we are crying to Him to help us in
laying hold of the promises. We continue praying daily
for the hundred workers.
€xxt\xhx IMte.
FROM THE REV. J. W. STEVENSON TO THE MEMBERS OF THE O.I.M. IN CHINA.
SHANGHAI, March 23rd, 1887.— There has never
been a time in the history of the Mission when a
call to prayer was more appropriate than it is now, and I
am sure you will all be glad to be reminded of our day of
united fasting and prayer on May 26th.
This year promises to be one of great progress and
blessing. We have indeed much to praise God for. It
has been a delightful experience for me, on coming into
closer relationship with many of you, during the last year,
to find such a happy, devoted, and united spirit prevail-
ing. I was prepared for a good deal, but my expecta-
tions in this respect have been far exceeded, upon every
remembrance of which I thank God. The Lord has
poured out upon us a spirit of prayer and expectation in a
large measure; and He is giving us, from time to time,
very manifest and unmistakable tokens that He is with
us. The hundred new workers for whom we are praying
are surely coming, and this movement is destined to play
no small part in the development of God's work in this
land. Let us "continue steadfastly in prayer" that God
will make the coming out of so many fresh workers in
one year a means of great blessing at home as well as
here.
In looking over the field, the prospects never were so
bright as to-day, and we ought to bless GOD for the
abundant opportunities and the many open doors. Still,
on the other hand, we must all feel deeply humiliated at
our lack of love to Christ and consequent indifference to
the eternal welfare of the multitudes by whom we are
surrounded ; golden opportunities have often passed, and
we have not done what otherwise we might have accom-
plished. On our day of fasting and prayer let there be
special humiliation for the sins and the failures of each
other, and of the Mission as a whole; for it is evident that,
with our magnificent advantages and opportunities, we
ought to have accomplished far more. Let us pray
specially, that, in every station, during the coming mission
year, souls may be saved — a great many.
The Lord Jesus says, " Come ye after me, and I will
make you to become fishers of men." Our one object in
being in China to-day is to get men and women
wed; and this object the devil and al! his hosts are
straining every nerve to thwart. The people around us
are pre-occupicd. They are taken up with the things of
the world ; yet they are rebels against God, and they are
condemned already to everlasting death. We are come
to disturb this peace in the name of the Lord of Hosts.
They are taken up with the things of this life, but we
must secure their attention, not to us as foreigners,
but to the needs of their own souls, and to the claims of
God upon their allegiance. We must talk to them
publicly, in the streets, in our preaching- halls, of their
own sin, and ingratitude ; of judgment, hell, and heaven ;
of the love of God ; of the voluntary sufferings of Christ
endured on their behalf. We must personally press home
the truth on them as individuals, not merely as discussing
some abstract doctrine, but as a matter of vital interest to
them. We must, ex cathedra, warn them to flee from the
wrath to come, speaking as those having authority and
not as their own scribes, and their conscience will endorse
the truth of our words. " For the invisible things of Him
since the creation of the world are clearly seen, being
perceived through the things that are made, even His
everlasting power and divinity ; that they may be without
excuse." We must not rest satisfied until the sold submits
to God. But " who is sufficient for these things ? " Not
we, verily ; but the power of God manifest in our mortal
bodies is sufficient.
Beloved fellow-labourers, let us labour in prayer for the
full manifestation of this power in each member of the
China Inland Mission. I take the liberty of quoting
the published testimony of the well-known and honoured
D. L. Moody in reference to this point : —
" I can myself go back twelve years, and remember two
holy women who used to come to my meetings. It was
delightful to see them there. When I began to preach I
could tell by the expression of their faces that they were
praying for me. At the close of the Sabbath meeting
they would say to me, ' We have been praying for you.'
I said, ' Why don't you pray for the people ? ' They
answered, ' You need the power.' '/need the power ! ' I
said to myself; 'why, I thought I had power.' I had a
large Sabbath school, and the largest congregation in
Chicago, There were conversions at the time, I was iu
71
CHINA'S MILLIONS.
a sense satisfied. But right on these two godly women
kept praying for me, and their earnest talk about
'Anointing for special service' set me thinking.
" I asked them to come and talk with me, and we got
down on our knees. They poured out' their hearts that I
might receive an anointing from the Holy Spirit, and
there came a great hunger into my soul. I did not know
what it was. I began to cry to God as I never did
before. The hunger increased. I really felt that I did
not want to live any longer if I could not have this power
for service. Then came the Chicago fire, and I was
burnt out of house and home at two o'clock in the morn-
ing. This did not so much affect me ; my heart was full
of the yearning for divine power. I was to go on a special
mission to raise funds for the homeless, but my heart was
not in the work. I could not appeal. I was crying all
the time that God would fill me with His Spirit.
"Well, one day, in the city of New York— oh, what a
day ! I cannot describe it ; I """seldom refer to it ; it is
almost too sacred an experience to name. Paul had an
experience of which he never spoke for fourteen years. I
can only say God then revealed Himself to me, and I had
such an experience of His love that I had to ask Him to
stay His hand. I went to preaching again. I did not
present any new truths. The sermons were not different.
And yet hundreds were converted. I would not now be
placed back where I was before that blessed experience
if you would give me all Glasgow — it would be as the
small dust of the balance."
God's victories are not to be won by our wisdom or
might, but by His Spirit. To all who yield themselves
wholly and unreservedly to Christ the word comes,
" Fear not, only believe." " He that believeth on me,
the works that I do shall he do also ; and greater works
than these shall he do ; because I go unto the Father."
Kirittgs farm Sbittlj £S|rctt-si.
*"~PHOUGH the first extract from the Rev. B. Bagnall is not very recent we give it, with other
-*• short extracts, for the sake of completeness. It will be noted that the spreading of the
work requires constant additions to the number of unpaid Church officers ; and we find suitable
men arc raised up by God, in answer to prayer, as they are needed. The great Head of the
Church still gives "gifts unto men."
FROM THE REV. B. BAGNALL, OF P'ING-YANG FU.
The first half-yearly Conference I attended was a very
refreshing time. The meetings, both devotional and for
business, were good, and a most desirable tone seemed
to pervade.
Twelve candidates for baptism were examined, but six
evidently needed further instruction, and so only six were
received: three men and three women. Two of the latter
were over sixty years of age. Those not received at this
time were dealt with very gently by Pastor Hsi, and
seemed to thoroughly understand whythey were requested
to wait, and were quite willing to do so. Measures have
been taken to have them visited frequently. They live a
short distance from here (quite an easy walk), and Mr.
Cassel's and Mr. Hoste's teachers have both expressed a
willingness to visit them occasionally. This will be a
good thing for themselves.
BAPTISM OF SIX CANDIDATES.
On the Sunday morning, at seven o'clock, Pastor Hsi
conducted the morning prayers, giving a very striking
and suitable address. At 10.30 I took the service. Soon
after noon I conducted another short service, and
baptised the six accepted candidates. At 2 p.m. we all
dined, the men in one courtyard and the women in the
other; and at 3.30 Mr. Stanley Smith conducted a
Gospel service, as not a few outsiders had come in. In
the evening Pastor Hsi administered the Lord's Supper,
and we all enjoyed a profitable and solemn time.
On Monday morning before the friends began to
depart, we had a service, and afterwards gave the right
hand of fellowship to two additional deacons who had
been chosen for some villages.
What a delightful specimen of a Christian Mr. Hsi is !
I do praise the Lord for all the way He has led me, and
desire to be made just such as the Lord can use.
P'ing-yang Dec. 50th. — I was very glad to hear of the
arrival of Miss Stevens at T'ai-yiien. I am sure Miss
Broomhall would give her a hearty welcome. We arc
very glad, too, to receive Mr. Robertson, and like him
exceedingly. Miss Reuter and Miss Jacobsen seem
admirably suited for the work at Hoh-chau.
Jan. 27//1. — We have just had a day of fasting and
prayer ; a very precious time indeed. It was a good
opportunity, as we have Misses Reuter and Jacobsen
from Hoh-chau, and Messrs. Stanley Smith and Hoste
from Hung-t'ung, spending a few days at P'ing-yang.
We have enjoyed the fellowship' exceedingly. The
ladies spend a day or two at Pastor Hsi's home, and
then return to Hoh-chau, where they seem to have much
encouragement already.
We all feel that we have so much to praise the Lord
for, and do thank His holy name for the outlook for the
future. We are beginning the year with great hopes,
and do desire to be made and kept very humble and
faithful.
FROM MR. WILLIAM KEY, OF SIH-CHAU.
SIH-CHAU, December 2\th. — Before now you will have
heard of our safe arrival at Sih-chau. We had
rather a rough journey owing to the bad roads, but
through the LORD'S goodness we reached here with no
further mishap than having some of our boxes thrown
into the water and some of the contents destroyed.
The Sunday was spent at a village thirty li beyond
Fen-chau. There was no proper inn, but we were com-
fortably put up by a family in the village, and had many
visitors, all very friendly, who listened to our message.
One man from Ho-NAN was specially interested. I gave
him a copy of some tracts I had with me, and he said he
was going home soon and would get a block cut, and cir-
culate the tracts among his friends.
Several times on the way we stayed at private houses,
and everywhere were treated kindly ; in some we were
CHINA'S MILLIONS.
75
tutpqp.-
CHINESE ARCHERS.
7 6
CHINA'S MILLIONS.
invited to stay a few days. Mrs. Key enjoyed the journey
very much, especially the last two or three days among
the hills, which remind one so much of home.
On arriving at Sih-chau I thought it better not to enter
by the north gate, as we should have to pass through the
city, so we went round by the south. But by the time we
got in the news had spread, and the whole city was
gathered at the door ; however, they were very quiet, and
after a few kind words, with an invitation to come again
to-morrow, they gradually dispersed.
GREAT CURIOSITY.
For a few weeks we had a continual stream of visitors,
both men and women. Of course, they mostly came out
of curiosity, but we made them all welcome, and now have
found an opening into some of their homes. Mrs. Key
tried to start a class for women on Sunday, but as yet she
has not succeeded. I think if a class were started in some
of their homes it would succeed better.
THIRTY NEW CONVERTS.
Soon after we came we were cheered by a visit from
Mr. and Mrs. Bagnall. During their stay, Mr. Bagnall
and I visited Ta-ning, and spent the Sunday at Sang-o.
We found Pastor Ch'u bright and rejoicing in the LORD.
He had stayed about a month with the Hsiao-i Christians,
and got great blessing. He visited all the villages round,
and brought back over thirty names as inquirers. The old
man Li, who put us up during our visit, accompanied
him and brought their first donation for the work — 1800
cash.
Mrs. Key and I have just returned from a visit to Ta-
ning. We spent a very happy fortnight with the Chris-
tians, visiting seven villages in which we found converts,
who were very poor but very pleased to receive us, and
did all in their power to make us comfortable. Once or
twice we were rather packed at night — six or seven on
the brick bed. We had good meetings ; while Mrs. Key
was having a meeting with women, Pastor Ch'u and I
would hold one next door with the men. We had quite
a hallelujah time. The Lord is indeed working amongst
the villagers, and before long we expect many more will
be added to the church.
Mr. Yang has had to pass through a severe trial ; he
has lately lost his wife and a grown-up daughter ; in the
spring he had his child carried off by a wolf. Poor man !
he seems to feel it very much.
SEVERE TRIALS.
At Pu Hien a literary man has been converted, and
has opened an opium refuge. Another has been opened
at K'o-shih, a small town between Hoh-chau and this
place. Here we have had several cases of opium poison-
ing. The evening we returned from Ta-ning we had a
case, and next day the husband came with a basket of
vegetables as a present. The other day a man brought
us a few eggs in return for some medicine given for his
wife. Thus we are gaining the confidence of the people
and finding open doors among them.
FROM MRS. KEY.
MR. KEY has told you a little about our sixteen days'
visit to Ta-ning and the villages. Such a happy
soul-refreshing time we had ! I shall not soon forget it.
We took up our abode at Pastor Ch'u's home, and had the
cave that is daily used as the place of worship, and I
must say it was the cleanest and brightest cave of all the
eight villages we visited. It is hung round with text-
scrolls ; tracts, too, are pasted up, and a number of Mrs.
Grimke's text-cards. The table has a curtain hung round,
and on it were a pile of testaments and hymn-books ;
just behind where Mr. Ch'u stands to preach is hung an
English photo of Mr. Cassels. They all speak so warmly
of him, and I might safely say that at every time of wor-
ship some one prayed for him. It was quite touching to
hear them.
PRAYER FOR AN UNBELIEVING HUSBAND.
Mr. Ch'u's village is forty li from Ta-ning. There are
a number of Christians, more women, I think, than men.
The husbands of two women who have been baptized are
not favourable to the Gospel, and oppose their wives very
much for becoming believers. One of them ill-treats his
wife shamefully for attending worship ; she is a very
bright, humble, constant follower of JESUS. She asked
him one day if she could invite me to come and have a
meal with her as he was going into Ta-ning. He said she
might please herself, so I went to her clean cave. She
thought it was a great deal for him to let me come, and
we spent a happy time in prayer to God, she pouring out
her heart that he might soon be turned to love and serve
the true God. She has three married sisters living in the
same compound, who came in. Two of them, I believe,
are not far from the Kingdom. Altogether we had a very
happy afternoon.
A DAY OF BLESSING.
The Sabbath was a profitable time. Mr. Ch'u took the
morning service, when quite a number of men came from
distant villages, and with the men and women of the
place quite filled the cave. All listened attentively and
joined most heartily in the singing.
In the afternoon I had the women and a number of
children, some of whom quite reminded me of Sunday-
school children at home. The priest who was brought
to a knowledge of the truth at the same time as Mr. Ch'u
has two little boys, bright little fellows, who sing the
hymns and answer Scripture questions better than many
of a like age at home.
Mr. Key took the evening service, when quite a num-
ber of the other villagers stayed. This, I believe, is cus-
tomary ; they are put up for the night in the chapel and
Mr. Ch'u sees that they have food.
MORE DISTANT VILLAGES.
On Monday morning we set off to a village five li dis-
tant and spent a profitable time. Next morning went to
another Christian home, five li in the opposite direction,
where a man lived who had twice spent several days with
us in Sih-chau while selling his cotton. He was just the
same at home as with us, and it was nice to hear how
kindly he spoke to his wife, and helped her to prepare
dinner for us. Only the day before his sister had been
buried, who had poisoned herself with opium. His wife
and friends are very much opposed to him, and to the
Gospel ; she listened very attentively while Mr. Key
spoke to a number of men who had gathered.
We trust the seed sown in that village may soon take
root, and spring up ; we believe the HOLY Spirit is
working, for only a little time ago, when Pastor Ch'u and
another Christian came to preach, the people treated
them very rudely, and threatened to stone them.
A HARD CLIMH.
Next morning we accompanied the pastor to the
villages among the hills, he taking his two donkeys to
carry the bedding, and that I might ride— such heights
we had to climb ; the poor animals had to strain every
muscle, and I almost regretted having gone, but on
CHINA'S MILLIONS.
77
reaching the Christians, and getting some of the glow
from their warm hearts, the fatigue of climbing was soon
forgotten ; they were hungering to hear more of the
blessed Gospel. We visited three villages, in each of
which there were several true followers of the Lord
JESUS, who have regular worship amongst themselves,
their neighbours coming in and joining them. The
evening meetings were quite crowded, and several seemed
truly interested, and asked many questions ; indeed they
would scarcely retire for the night, and came early next
morning, that they might join in worship before we left.
In the second village there are one or two women who
have been baptised, and their profession is not hid in a
corner ; they are such real, warm-hearted Christians. I
believe several of the other women are Christians, four
of them took part in our women's meeting ; the cave was
quite full, and we had a time, I believe, of true blessing.
My own soul was very much refreshed and encouraged.
PASTOR ch'u.
Pastor Ch'u was very bright ; his whole conversation in
all the homes was Christ crucified, our Saviour, because
we are sinners ; he has such tact with the people, and has
a kind word for everybody. How easy it is to see that
the evangelisation of China depends mostly on the
natives, by the power of the Holy Ghost. He told us
he could not keep his mouth closed, because the Lord
had unloosed his tongue. This is no passing zeal, for last
year he was severely beaten by the Yamen officials for
not worshipping in the temple. Now he is praying for
all his own village, and believes that they will yet be
worshipping the true God in the village temple.
We returned to his home for a few days after spending
four days amongst the hill Christians. Mr. Key has
made arrangements for the opening of a
DAY SCHOOL,
which had been spoken of before. Many of the parents
seemed pleased, and a few of the men are giving their
time to repairing the two caves for it. We expect it will be
self-supporting in a short time ; they are all very poor
people, having very little money among them, but they
said that the teacher should have plenty of food,
as they all have a little piece of land, which they
cultivate for the support of their own families. The
teacher is a tested Christian, and they as well as we are
trusting for good results from his teaching in the homes
of the unconverted neighbours.
We left our friends, very much cheered with many in-
vitations to come again soon ; we could not pass the
home of warm friends in a small village about ten li from
Ta-ning, for four of the men were out hailing us to stop,
and putting sand on the frozen river for us to cross. Mr.
Ch'u having gone on in front came back, saying that they
would not hear of our only spending an hour with them.
CLOSE QUARTERS.
There is a very large household, and one was apt to won-
der where they could possibly all put up at night. There
were six of us on the brick bed where I slept, and the
one Mr. Key shared had ten. We had large gatherings
in the evening. The old mother is, I believe, a Christian
— a very nice old lady she is. The eldest son opened an
opium refuge and is doing a good work. I believe he
had six or seven patients in when we were there.
We came into Ta-ning next morning, but spent only a
few hours, as the letter-carrier was due at home and we
did not wish to detain him. About thirty //' from home we
met him, so we finished our trip with quite a feast over
our home mail.
FROM MISS REUTER.
HOH-CHAU, Jan. \st. — Sometimes I cannot but
say to myself, How strange, how wonderful, that
GOD has given us just the desires of our hearts. We
prayed that we might not be sent to T'ai-yiien Fu, but
that we two might go to a place alone, and we have got
our petition. It is not a thing to wonder at, because
" He will make the place of His feet glorious," and it was
on our knees at His feet that we rejoiced, knowing that
our prayers would be answered. The place of His feet
was and is glorious.
The Sunday before we arrived here, as we rested on
the top of the high hill, I was greatly blessed through
reading 2 Chron. xxii. The Lord said to me, " Be not
afraid nor dismayed by reason of this great multitude ;
for the battle is not yours, but God's. To-morrow go ye
down against them (we expected to be in Hoh-chau
the next day), for the LORD will be with you." My words
were from my heart, " We have no might, neither know
we what to do, but our eyes are upon Thee." And His
answer was, " Ye shall not need to fight in this battle ;
set yourselves, stand ye still, and see the salvation of the
Lord with you."
As you will see from my diary, Mr. Hsi has invited us
to his home for a month. We do not care much to go
away, but it will not be waste time, as we shall be among
natives — I mean for the sake of the language.
We live in Chinese style : Mrs. Liu takes her food
with us. It is a great help to us to have her. Several
very nice women have been to see us. Our first visit
was made yesterday ; many women came.
FROM MR. HOSTE.
HUNG-T'UNG, Jan. 6th. — There are inquirers, some
of them giving every indication of being true ; back-
sliders, too, have been returning. This is specially the
case at a village twenty It from here, where three or four
years ago there were some seventy worshippers, when,
owing to some misunderstanding, the whole were
scattered. Now, however, Mr. Fan the elder is there,
and men are being cured again of their opium. I was there
about a fortnight ago, and had some fifteen or twenty at
worship, including two women. Old Mr. Sung and the
brethren at P'ing-yang seemed very well, and brighter
than when I last saw them. They are getting a good
number of men in to break off cpium, as also at P'u
Hien, a town about two-thirds of the way from P'ing-
yang to Sih-chau.
I had a happy time visiting Hoh-chau, and two villages
distant ten and twenty li respectively, where there are some
dozen worshippers of GOD. The opium refuge there is
prospering ; there were eight or nine men in ; all were
doing well, and not suffering from sickness, though one
man had been in the habit of smoking half an ounce a
day.
A number of men have decided, when the new
year is over, to come and break off their opium, seeing
that this man is doing so, and not suffering ; he was born
without one arm, and old Mr. Sung, the ladies' teacher, on
seeing this, at once felt that he would be preserved from
suffering, in being cured, because the Lord was, when
on earth, so kind to the sick and deformed.
On leaving Hoh-chau, I went over the hills on the
7 8
CHIAA'S MILLIONS.
west of the Fen river, where there are some four or five
villages, with Christians in them in groups of from twelve to
quite a single family. They are all very poor, but most
hospitable, and pleased to see one.
ilessmg m ftag-r|]mi, fttmtg-su IBrabmtt,
FROM THE REV. J. McCARTHY.
^/T ARCH 14th, 1887.— We have just had two splendid
1 days, and yet there is more, far more to follow.
This morning I had a prayer-meeting between six and
seven with our native brethren and sisters. I told them
that we were going to have a special season of fasting and
prayer ourselves, and that if any of them liked to join us
at morning prayer I would fix the time so as to suit them.
Six o'clock was found the most convenient hour ;
nearly all were present ; we had a good time. We had
English worship afterwards, when we sat at the feet of
Jesus, and He taught us and led us by His Spirit to
claim the power that wrought such wonders through
Paul. Why not ? There is now the same power that
wrought at Pentecost, and for us, too, to the glory of
God.
In the afternoon we had a baptism ; a dear young
fellow, in a chapel packed full of men and women, stated
publicly his desire to profess faith in JESUS Christ, and
serve Him till his death ; it was such a joy to baptise him.
We had preaching I suppose for quite two hours. Most, of
course, came there only out of curiosity, but they heard
the good old Gospel, two or three natives giving their
testimony. Our sisters had rooms full of women for an
hour afterwards.
But the best wine was kept to the end. To-night we
have had a consecration meeting, for which I shall always
thank the Lord. The pastor was more stirred up than
I have ever known him ; and prayer for two others was
most evidently answered in their oion prayers for them-
selves. One good brother whom we were rather afraid
was suffering from covetousness asked me after the
meeting to order three dols. worth of books needed for the
chapel. Don't you like something practical ? All the
forms in the chapel that needed it were mended the
other day, free too. This is the kind of thing one likes
to see. A couple of the members brought me a dollar,
half of which was for books to be given to a man who has
some time on his hands to sell, and the other half for his
travelling expenses. When the Spirit of the Lord
comes in, money, or time, or anything else, can all be
freely given to the blessed Master.
We unitedly came to the conclusion to-night that we
and all we have and are belong to the Lord Jesus, and
that wc intend to be honest and let Him have His own.
We had the cleansing of the Temple for our subject, and
there was a good deal of heart-searching work.
Your prayers are being answered, you see. More and
more to follow.
FROM MISS C. MURRAY.
YANG-CHAU, February 26//1.— When Mr. Taylor
was here in November, he spoke to me of his inten-
tion to remove the Gan-k'ing girls' school to Yang-chau,
and asked me to take the charge of it. I had had the
neglected, ignorant girls of China much laid on my heart,
and I thought of the promise, " My God shall supply all
your need," and accepted thankfully the work He had
given.
In December Mr. McCarthy brought the girls from
Gan-k'ing, having made every arrangement for their
accommodation and comfort. Mr. Taylor appointed Miss
J. Webb, from Che-foo, to be my assisant in the school-
work. For the first few weeks Miss Davis, who is
interested in the work, assisted me in many ways. Miss
Say, another of the sisters in the training home, was very
kind and helpful in coming to visit and minister to some
of the children who were unwell. Miss Webb has been
with me now more than a month, and I thank God for
sending one so well qualified for this work ; having been
engaged in work among children in Miss McPherson's
homes in London, she has had valuable experience.
Mr. McCarthy has engaged a Chinese Christian teacher
for them ; he is a good teacher as well as a good man,
strict yet kind, and much interested in the children.
In the forenoon the girls have lessons in writing and learn-
ing the characters. In the afternoon Miss Webb or I
have sewing, Bible, or singing classes with them. There
are at present twenty-three in the school — eight senior
between the ages of twelve and sixteen, eight junior
between nine and twelve, and seven little ones between
five and nine. Each little one is under the care of one of
the senior girls, who sleeps with her, helps her to dress,
makes and mends her clothes, etc. The senior girls take
turns weekly to have evening prayers with the little ones,
and I have been interested in hearing them singing their
hymns, and seeing them listen attentively to a short Bible
lesson, and then all join in prayer. I take prayers with
the older girls, the pastor's wife assisting me.
The ten eldest are members of the church. It is our
earnest prayer and hope that the Holy Spirit may work
in the hearts of every one of these dear girls, that they
may all love Christ much, and be His servants in this
land. We feel the power of the enemy ; he does actively
seek to hinder us ; disobedience, anger, and sullenness in
them have often given us much pain, and we have
earnestly to pray for wisdom and courage to deal with
their faults. We see improvement in their conduct which
makes us thankful. The girls are all in good health, with
the exception of two or three of the little ones, who have
a skin disease in the head that requires treatment every
clay, which Miss Webb undertakes.
From Miss Lii.y Wi
Yang-chau, March y-<1. — I do thank Gon for the progress
of the work here. The meetings arc entirely different
from what they were a year ago. Last night, just at an ordinary
evening meeting, there were upwards of forty men an 1 a great
number of strangers ; they sat and listened so well all the time.
Now the evangelist is away, Mr. McCarthy preaches in the
chapel every afternoon and lias very good times with the people.
I know how you are praying, anil I believe the LORD is going to
send the blessing in showers on this place. I have had
opportunities of speaking to the women, and have been more
helped than ever before.
CHINA'S MILLIONS.
79
FROM MISS C. P. CLARK.
Y AN G-CHAU, /<:*;/. 1 5th.— To-day has been set apart
for prayer and fasting. Mr. McCarthy is with us.
He brought Miss Webb two days ago, and she is settling
into the school work. Miss Say and Miss Fausset are to
go soon to Ts'ing-kiang-p'u for a little while, and are look-
ing forward to it with great pleasure. I am delighted to
be able to give you splendid news of our dear sister, Miss
M. Murray ; she really is quite well. I believe it is not
temporary, but that the Lord has answered the prayer of
faith, and given her the health which she will so much
need for the coming work.
I believe Mr. McCarthy's visit will be a real help to the
native Christians ; the meetings are getting warmer, the
prayers shorter and more to the point, and the young men
are being taught in a way to which they are not accustomed,
February 23rd, 1887. — We are all so full of praise for
what we have seen and heard this evening. First, I must
tell you that the enemy has been doing all in his power to
prevent our prayer for souls being answered, and for
several weeks, if we had been trusting appearances in-
stead of the Lord, our faith would have had nothing to
cling to.
But lately we have had signs that God is working. In
the afternoons there have been more men than usual in
the chapel to hear the Gospel, and Pastor Wang has been
encouraged by the interest they have shown. Some of
them have come almost every evening to family prayer,
and we have been specially thankful for the earnest
attention of one intelligent man.
The prayer-meetings have been warmer too, and it has
been clear that some of the old members are being stirred
up. Last Monday evening we felt the Spirit's power in
our meeting very much, and knew that soul-saving work
was being done, as Mr. McCarthy pressed home the
truth that all who trusted Jesus might that night be saved
This evening Mr. McCarthy told the story of his own
conversion, and asked any others who would like to bear
testimony to do the same. Mr. Han and the evangelist
both responded. Afterwards Mr. McCarthy asked any
who really wanted to be saved to-night, and would like to
be prayed for, to stand. To our great joy, three men
stood up, among them the one I mentioned just now, and
earnest prayer was offered for them.
When the meeting was over, our cook was asked why
he did not stand. (We have had reason to believe for
some little time that the Lord is drawing him to Him-
self.) He said it was because he already knew that his
sins are forgiven, and that the peace which he has in his
heart is the proof of it.
So here are four to begin with — our earnest of the full
blessing that is certainly coming. We are not at all more
sure than we were before that God is going to do for us
all we are claiming, and more ; but it is delightful to see so
clearly the beginning of the answer to our prayers, and I
am sure, when you know of it, you will praise our gracious
Father as much as we do.
March 6th. — The Lord has given me such joy in the
classes with the Christian women and lads, as well as in
taking morning prayers with the servants, and in visiting
and receiving women, though all was done very imperfectly.
Citmrp fxom Sraitair W&mhx%.
ftiang-si jjrobhia.
From Mrs. Herbert Taylor.
We have had beautiful weather these last few days, and have
been enjoying the delicious fresh air on these hills. Miss Taps-
cott and I went for a short walk while Herbert was in the shop
on the street preaching this afternoon. We were admiring the
high hills away in the distance with the snow upon them ;
Li-shan (5, 600 feet) is grand just now.
From Mr. Hudson Broomhall.
Ta-ht-fang, March 3rd.
How you would rejoice to see them at home, and how I
should, but I would much rather be here. More thankful am I
than ever that the Lord led me to China.
We have, in answer to prayer, got a shop on the street for
preaching in, and I go down every day, unless Herbert gives me
a holiday, which he has done two or three times. I have had
a little opposition by about thirty boys and three or four men,
but I think it has most of it ceased, and I am looking for blessing.
From Miss M. Hudson Taylor.
Ta-ku-fang, March 24th.— On Saturday I had about fifty
women and children, and the same number on Sunday and all
this week. I have had women coming at all hours, from eleven
in the morning until half-past five in the afternoon.
On Sunday morning I had a nice time with the women. We
commenced our service as usual at eleven a.m. in the chapel —
our breakfast-room— but soon the room was full, and still the
people kept on coming, so Hudson [Broomhall] proposed that
I should have a service with the women upstairs. I had thirty
women and about twenty children and young girls ; downstairs
there must have been quite seventy. I made all the children sit
down on the floor, but still we had not nearly enough seats for all
the women, and a good many had to stand.
Of course, being called upon unexpectedly, I had nothing
prepared, so I just took for my subject the Prodigal Son.
There was quite breathless attention as I told the story and ex-
plained it. I did so realise the Lord's presence. I had not to
stop to think for a word or a sentence, but just spoke what I
had given me ; and, afterwards, without my asking them, the
women told me that they understood nearly all I said. I spoke
for quite half-an-hour, but still the interest did not waver. I have
never seen Chinese women listen so attentively for such a length
of time. It was just of the Lord. " There shall be showers of
blessing " even in Ta-ku-t'ang.
From Dr. Stewart.
Mar. yth. — You will be glad to hear of the prosperity of the
Lord's work at Ning-kwoh Fu, the station at which I have been
residing for the last seven months. During the last two months
an increased interest in the Gospel has been manifested among
the people of this city and neighbourhood. Two families of
vegetarians have publicly renounced idolatry, and regardless of
the influence of friends and relatives have puiled down the gods
which they and their ancestors have worshipped for many genera-
tions, and embraced the Gospel of Christ. People are daily
coming in from surrounding villages, having heard something of
the doctrine of Jesus through Mr. Miller's occasional visits. It is
interesting to see the dissatisfaction felt with their own systems
of worship and their anxiety to know the way of salvation. On
Sundays, long before the appointed time of worship, numbers are
found patiently waiting to be further instructed in the better way.
Last Sunday afternoon the attendance was very good, and
all seemed really earnest to know more of the Gospel. At the
close of the meeting Mr. Miller intimated my intention of leaving
Ning-kwoh on the following day for another part of China.
They instantly expressed their regret, and proposed as a
token of kindness to accompany me to the boat, a distance
of about a mile. On Monday morning they came as they
proposed to see me off. The whole scene made a deep im-
pression upon my mind — particularly as I observed some in tears.
As our boat moved down the river, and we were about to lose
sight of the city, I looked behind and saw this little band still
8o
CHINAS MILLIONS.
standing where I left them ; this made me turn aside and seek
a place where I might pour out my heart to God in thankful
praise, for having allowed me to witness such a sight so early in
my missionary experience.
ju-pejr Jrofrin«.
From Mr. Hutton.
Fan-ch'cng,Feb. 1st.
We are asking the Lord to enable you to send out a hundred
new missionaries to China this year. I told several of the
Christians last night that you came out to China first yourself,
and that now a large number of missionaries in this land are
under your direction, having come out in answer to prayer. I
asked them to join in prayer for the one hundred ; the eyes of
some brightened up, and I feel sure they will.
As the beginning of the year is the special time for social
gatherings, we invited all the Christians to dine with us on
Thursday last. Although the weather was very cold and deep
snow was lying on the ground, as it has been for weeks past,
many of our friends came several li to meet with us. Every one
seemed to be happy and to feel at home. During a leisure part
of the day I found one of the brethren reading and explaining
the first chapters of Genesis to the warm-hearted blind man, and
to others who gathered round to listen. Our friends are all very
poor and several of them are deformed, so a good dinner was all
the more acceptable to them. Others besides the Christians sat
down with us, and, altogether, about fifty partook of a hearty
meal.
ipu-nan jjrobmtt.
From Miss E. Wilson.
Sha-shi, Fib. 22nd.
Unless absolutely needful, I could not leave the two Christian
women without any one to help their first steps heavenward ;
this is my especial work, and it fills my heart with joy to see
what we all think unmistakeable marks of the Spirit's work.
Our old attendant is a comfort in every way — a gift of God.
She is respected, and gains respect for us and entrance into
houses.
We are having happy prayer-meetings and expect much
blessing. I think there is a different feeling towards us in the
neighbourhood, though some of the men are still rowdy. Mr.
Pruen has preached most diligently in the open air all along this
street. " In due season we shall reap if we faint not." Two
souls are a blessed beginning. Pray for them, that their
influence may be for great good. I go to the house of the one
every week and the neighbours hear: she turned part of the
Prodigal Son into excellent colloquial last time, though idle was
so discouraged at her ignorance that she needed much persuasion
not to leave the Sunday morning class for servants. God heard
prayer, and brought four from the country last Sunday.
£~lair-sulj Jrobince.
From Miss Annie Taylor.
Lan-chau,Jan. y-d.
Mrs. Hunt's woman came up last week from Ts'in-chau. She
will be a help to the work, as she is a Christian ; it is good of
God to send her to me.
I have been teaching two little girls in the compound to read,
but their old aunt now calls them out of my room as soon as
they come. Satan is doing much to hinder the work ; but I look
upon his opposition as a harbinger of blessing. We do want the
women of Lan-chau for Jesus.
From Mr. Bi rnktt.
Ts'in-chau, Dec. 2S//1.
Since our arrival we have been having much larger numbers
here than I ever had the privilege of seeing before, and the
people seem more interested. Last Lord's day we numbered
about fifty, not only those of our household came to prayers,
but several outsiders are attending daily. The boys' Sunday-
school is also increasing. One of the scholars from Mr. Hunt's
class has been baptised ; he attends regularly, and seeks to bring
others with him. We have begun visiting the villages.
From Miss Barclay.
Ts'in-chau, /an. \otk.
I am so thankful to the Lord for bringing me here. I know
it is He who has sent, and that " He that sent me is with me."
How often those words have come back and helped me since
that afternoon meeting in Pyrland Road, just before we left
England, when you gave them to me. What a wonderful privi-
lege it is to be allowed to work for the Lord Jesus out here in
China.
A poor young wife was telling us the other day that she did
not let her husband know when she prayed, because he beat her,
and " it hurts me," she said.
Sfmn-iung Urobintt.
From Miss Whitchurch,
Che-joo, Jan. $th.
We are praising daily for the one hundred new missionaries
that you have asked of God. We may well praise, may we not,
when we remember the words of our Lord, " What things so
ever ye desire when ye pray believe that ye receive them and ye
shall have them." I shall never forget the first ladies' meeting
that Miss Seed conducted after I came to Che-foo, taking for her
subject the facts contained in 2 Chron. xx., and showing how it
was, " When they began to sing and to praise," before any sign
of deliverance had been given, that the Lord appeared for His
people.
From Miss Kings.
Che-foo, Feb. 2yd.
We have quite settled down into the regular routine of school-
work. I take the Sunday afternoon class alternately with Miss
Seed : it is often very encouraging. I am sure there is a real
interest among the dear girls.
Messrs. Horobin and Terry are here, and have taken the
children's services, much to their delight.
ilortjj Sbim-si.
From Mr. Brynon.
Kwei-hwa-clieng, Jan. I st.
We had a good day yesterday ; our souls were strengthened,
and we are fully expecting much blessing this year, and at least
the hundred workers. I am glad that during the past year I
have had such opportunity for study.
From Mr. T. II. Ring.
Ta- twig, Jan. 8th. — At the suggestion of Mr. Geo. Clarke, I
have rented a room in an inn here for one tael per month,
the inn-keeper finding firing and light. I have no doubt we
shall be able to secure a house at no very distant period. The
houses are very well built, and I am told they are cheap.
<£n; iloute.
From Mr. Judd.
Port Said, Atril 1st.
You will be glad to hear that thus far we have had a very-
happy voyage. We are a happy little party. Of course our
work on board has been much limited for want of the French
language, yet our tracts and books are freely received; some even
come and ask for more. I have not a doubt in my mind about
God using us to souls on board. At times a group gather round
while we sing. A gentleman said to Miss Parker, " What
makes you so happy ? You have something that I have not."
As to our cabin, food, etc., we are very comfortable, and such
a splendid deck on which we are allowed to promenade.
jumbals in China.
Letters from China tell of the arrival, on March 14th, in
much blessing, of Messrs. Brock, Russell, Darroch, Dymond,
and Pollard ; also that Mr. Folke, from Sweden, who went out
with them unconnected with any mission, has accompanied them
to Gan-k'ing for study of the language.
We also learn that the Deccan, on which Mr. and Mrs.
Easton, with Misses Stewart. G. Muir, lUirroughes, Britton,
McWatters, Thomson, Johnson, McQuillan, Gates, Mackee, and
Miller, travelled from Colombo, reached Shanghai on April 26th.
China's Millions.
CONTENTS.
@6e Jifafisfics for 1886.
Report of fBc Jlrmuaf 'gfteefut&s,
AFTERNOON MEETING.
Geo. Williams, Esq., Chairman —
The Presence and Power of the Master.
B. Broom hall, Secretary —
Home Report.
Rev. J. Hudson Taylor —
Reviciv of Progress.
Mr. A. C. Dorward, China Inland Mission —
Work in Hn-nan.
Rev. James Stephens, M.A., Highgate—
Characteristics of C.I.M.
Outgoing Missionaries—
Messrs. Curnow and Stooke.
Misses Campbell and Williamson.
Letter from W.
EVENING MEETING.
T. A. Denny, Esq., Chairman —
Kindly Words of Sympathy.
Rev. J. Hudson Taylor —
Principles of the Mission.
Rev. H. W. Hunt, China Inland Mission-
Work in Kan-suh.
Rev. W. Cooper, China Inland Mission —
Work in Gan-hwuy.
Rev. Thos. Champness —
C.I.M. Principles applicl at Home.
R. Radcliffe, Esq. —
Loss from Neglecting Foreign Missions.
Mr. A. Eason, China Inland Mission —
The Needs of Yun-nan.
T. Berger, Esq.
§n yiexnoxxam.
Mr. John Challice.
Mrs. Douthwaite.
Ridings from §£an-st.
Mr. Stanley P. Smith.
Accounts of Native Christian Workers.
July and August, 1 887.
RECENT INTELLIGENCE.
g>xQxxs of £$Cessmg.
Extracts from ^Letters.
JlrrtDaCs anb JJeparfwrcs.
<^ a oCes:—
Balance Sheets.
List of Stations and Missionaries.
Statistics ai iljc €lgim $ntenir Piaston for $amrarg,t 1SS7.
PROVINCES.
Arranged in three
ines from [Vest to
East for easy refe-
rence tjMap.)
i. KAN-SUH
2. SHEN-SI
3. SHAN-SI
4 . SHAN-TUNG
HO-NAN
S'l'-CH'UEN
7. HU-PEH
GAN-HWUY.
9. KIANG-SU
10. YUN-NAN
STATiONS.
(Capitals of Pro
vinces in capitals
Prefeclural cities in
small capitals
County cities
ronton, and Market
towns in italics.)
Stations and
Missionaries.
LAN-CHAU
Sl-NING ...
NlNG-HSIA
Ts'in-chau
Han-chung
Si-gan Plain
T'AI-YUEN
Kwei-hwa-ch'eng..
Ta-t'ung
Sih-chau ...
Hoh-chau
Hung-t'ung
P'lNG-YANG
Che- f 00
Fuh-shan...
Ning-hai ...
Chau-kia-k' co
She-k'i-tien
CH'EN-TU
Ch'ung-k'ing ..
Pao-ning
WU-CII'ANG ..
Fan-ch'eng
Sha-shi ...
Lan-t'an ...
GAN-K'ING ..
Cll'l'-CHAU
NlNG-KWOH
IIWUY-CHAU
Lai-gan ...
Shang-hai
Yang-CHAU and
former stations
YUN-NAN FU.'
Ta-li
Bhamo (Burmali)..
K.WEI-YANG ...
f Worked from \
\ Sha-shl ...)
Ta-ku-fang
Ilo-k'co & Kwei-k'
Yuh-shan...
KlU-ClIAU
Chang-shao
KlNIlWA
IIANG-CIIAU ..
Siiao-hing
Shing-hien
NiNc;-ro
1 ung hwa
Ning-hai...
T'ai-chatj
WUN-C1IAU
Biit'j-yae ...
Undesignated, being recent arrivals
and those at home who will
change stations ...
Total ...
KWEI-CHAU.
HU-NAN
KIANG-SI ..
t4. CHEH-KIANG.
2. B
"5
' 3
> 3
2
1
Native Helpers.
Communicants
in Fellowship
5-
65
25
157
3«
34
42 3
16
11
103
12
36
191
45
Baptised
Persons.
£ S
14 3q 5,
Work suspended
56
2
34|
1
153
2
1 3
1
Returns included in Gan-k'ing.
15
•5"
14
36
191
33
194
17
Churches.!
Schools
Boarding
S ct
8 98
1 16
1 ■
564
1
1
.'40
5684225
2
2
5
2
5
4
1
5-
2 2
47 13
26
'5
20 117
15 21
2
5
I
22
60
15
100
1 1
126
«5*
14
36
7
I
2
24
2
2
7
35
14
1 1
4
5TI
3
34
04
7
*
43
'57
2,
93
179
23«
105S5S61655
7
40
}S 4
47
"59
Ob
1S4
15-1
16S
24
3iS
i'-' ;
2438
5!
Day.
2 Engl.
y.
23 G.
.in
cO
II
2 English
?o R.
6G
134I 1 'o 00
1
1 4
2 -'9
I
4S6
590
I
I 2
b]54
; -
347
61
;- -.
1 24 G
1 23 G
1 8 B
1 11 G
1 14 G
1 15 G
25 G
6 B
1 H.
i"h.
1 R
2 R.
1 R.
1 R.
2 R
1 II
1 D.
1 D
Xo return.
Sep. 30,'86
No return.
Dec. 3 1, '86
1 D
\ No
f return.
Dec. 3 1 ,'86
No return.
Dec. 3 1, '86
11 B
12 B
No return
Dec 3', 'So
No return.
Dec. 3 1 ,"S6
Dec."'*;.
Dec..;:
No return. f The Missionaries and Associates (column 4) are corrected for May. 1887.
CHINA'S MILLIONS.
81
tetiwgs in % €ardtxtntt Jpall, liilbmag |3arli,
THURSDAY, MAY 26th, 1887.
gittrnuott Sleeting.
GEORGE WILLIAMS, Esq., Chairman.
The meeting was opened with the hymn :
" Who is on the Lord's side ?
" Who will serve the King ? "
A portion of Scripture was read by Mr. Robert Scott, and prayer was offered by the Rev. J. Hudson Taylor
The hymn,
" Lord, speak to me that I may speak,"
was next sung.
THE CHAIRMAN
then said : It is this delightful love of CHRIST, which
won our hearts and brought us into communion with
the divine, that has brought us here. We are cheered
to-day by the consciousness that all power is given unto
Him. We are weak— the members of the China Inland
Mission are all weak, feeble vessels. It is the all-power
of the Master that opens the Chinaman's heart, subdues
his will, opens his pocket, and makes him a true and
faithful servant and devoted friend.
We rejoice together in the presence of this omnipotent
power. ' Go ye, therefore, and teach all nations.' Now
this is what the China Inland Mission is doing, teach-
ing many dear Chinese men and women and children
something of the love of Christ. ' And lo,' says the
divine Master, ' I am with you alway, even unto the
end of the world.' This is our comfort, our strength,
and assurance that we are not going in vain.
And then He has shown us mighty signs of His work-
ing ; He has proved to us that what He says is true.
How cheered we have all been to hear during the past
year of the disposition of the authorities in China to pro-
tect those engaged in this work. Immediately I heard
of the proclamations, I said, ' There is something to en-
courage all praying hearts ! God has broken down a
strong prejudice, stronger than the wall of China ! There
is an answer to prayer.' What may we not expect next ?
Surely GOD is going to pour out His SPIRIT largely.
Multitudes are to be saved. ' God, even our God, shall
bless us, and all the ends of the earth shall rejoice before
Him.'
This fiftieth year of Her Majesty's reign is an occasion
on which it is proper for all societies to look back a little,
and view the various difficulties which have been sur-
mounted. Fifty years ago, poor China had only a few
missionaries — very few — outside the borders, or visiting
a few of the sea-coast towns by stealth. There they
were — waiting, translating, knocking at the door which
was bolted and barred against Christian missions. Now
what an opening, what a change, what a triumph ! How
we should rejoice together at what God has accomplished
in these fifty years. What a Christian host is being raised
up — not only in connection with the China Inland
Mission, but with other societies. Altogether, there are
28,000 communicants in the Chinese Empire !
As to this China Inland Mission, our dear friend in
his prayer has referred to the first number of missionaries
who went out ; there is now in connection with this mission
a large staff. One of the glories of this work is that so
many ladies are going out. This is a day in which, thank
God, He has poured out His Spirit, and the sons and
daughters are to prophesy and help forward the glorious
work of missions. Then there are over a hundred native
helpers — 117, making altogether more than 300 workers.
It is upon the heart of our beloved friends that there
should be sent out, during this year, a hundred more
missionaries. Is not this a suitable expression of grati-
tude to God for these fifty years of blessing vouchsafed
to Her Majesty the Queen, and is it not also called for
by the great necessities of the Chinese Empire? I cannot
conceive of anything more delightful than that large-
hearted conception. God's mighty power can touch
pockets in England, as well as subdue the hearts and
the wills of the Chinese. So let us hope that it will be
realised. Then there will be over 400 workers in this
one Mission. Let us also hope that by God's grace a
mighty impetus may be given in all directions.
Mr. B. BROOMHALL
{Secretary of the CI una Inland Mission).
WE REJOICE in the presence of so many of our
friends who have been following the work with
interest and prayer. It is twenty-one years to-day since
the Lainmermuir party sailed, when the Mission was
formally inaugurated ; so that, on this Jubilee year, the
JULY AND AUGUST, 1 887.
Mission has attained its majority. We rejoice at the way
in which the Lord has prospered the work.
We are permitted to report to you to-day that there are
in connection with the Mission 129 unmarried missionaries
and forty-three married missionaries, making 172. Count-
82
CHINAS MILLIONS.
ing the wives, the number is 215, and if to this we add
ten who are in association with the Mission, the number
of the entire staff is brought up to 225. Besides these
there are 117 native helpers.
Fifty-two stations have been opened and-fifty-six out-
stations. Eighty-four chapels or preaching-places are
used.
Work is being carried on in fourteen Provinces out of
the eighteen of China Proper. These are facts very
easily mentioned, but what do they represent ? A quiet
pondering of all that they represent will indeed afford
deep cause for gratitude, and we may well take courage
as we see that thus have those been prospered who at-
tempted great things for GOD and expected great things
from God.
NEW MISSIONARIES.
Ten new missionaries were added to the staff during
last year, viz. :—
Miss TAPSCOTT.
Miss Davis.
Miss Littler.
Miss Annie Say.
Mr. Archibald
Ewing.
Orr
Mr. Eldred E. Savers.
Mr. G. Graham Brown.
Mr. Andrew Wright.
Dr. Stewart.
Miss Kings.
Two have during the year been removed from our
number by death — Mr. RlLEY and Mr. Jenkins.
The income for the past year was ,£22,149 os - ud.,
being £1,900 more than in the year before. This, how-
ever, includes a special gift of £1,500 towards the purchase
of land in Shanghai. Allowing for this, the amount re-
ceived during 1886 is only a few hundred pounds above
the income of the preceding year.
It will interest many of our P^riends to know that, be-
sides those who send their glad and cheerful gifts from
this country, there are many in other lands who send
their contributions. If I mention a few of the countries
it will be seen how wide-spread is the area from which
gifts come to the Mission. We have donations from the
United States, Canada, New Zealand, Australia, India,
Russia, Switzerland, France, Norway, Sweden, Germany,
Italy, Spain, Belgium, Holland, Palestine (from Jeru-
salem), Portugal, Algeria, Jamaica, and several places in
Africa ; and month by month the tidings of mission work
which appear in China's Millions are sent out to these
various lands.
This year, up to to-day, the income has been
£10,452 us. 1 id. Last year up to the same date it was
£8,328 os. 1 id., showing a difference of something over
£2,000 in favour of this year ; the larger portion of that
however has been required for the passages and outfit
of those who have gone out. They are :
Mr. Johnston.
Mr. Brock.
Mr. Russell.
Mr. Darroch.
Miss Stewart.
Miss G. Muir.
Miss Thomson.
Miss McWatters.
Miss BURROUGHES.
Miss BRITTON.
Miss Johnson.
Miss McQuillan.
Miss Gates.
Miss Millar.
Miss Mackee.
Miss Parker.
Miss Webber.
Miss Knight.
Miss L. K. Ellis.
Mr. Armstrong.
Mrs. Armstrong.
Miss Scott.
Miss Miles.
Miss Judd.
Miss Culverwell.
Miss Forth.
Besides these, five have gone in association with the
Mission : —
Mr. Frank McCarthy. Mr. Pollard.
Miss Groves. Mr. Dymond.
Miss Stewartson.
The last three belong to the Bible Christian Missionary
Society.
During this year twenty-three others have been
accepted. The number of candidates who have offered
for missionary work this year is 184. Many may prove
unsuitable, but we hope that not a few will be sooner or
later accepted.
We have mentioned on former occasions the publica-
tions of the Mission, and I would ask your attention to
these again. First of all there is
"China's Millions/'
published monthly. Never before have we had so large
a circulation. We rejoice that it is continually increasing,
and we hope that by the help of our friends it may increase
more and more. We are fully persuaded that by its
wider distribution more interest will be stirred up on
behalf of China, and the workers there.
The book written by Mr. Hudson Taylor,
" China's Spiritual Need and Claims,''
has been again reprinted. A large number have been
sold, and a further edition of 10,000 has lately been
printed. We trust that many will obtain copies of this
work, and by their circulation do still more to stir up a
feeling of interest and concern on behalf of the millions
of China.
Another publication is to-day, for the first time, to be
had. It is called
"Days of Blessing in Inland China."
Many who read the interesting account of the conferences
in Shan-si in the December number of China's Mil-
lions, and the further particulars in the number for
January, will be glad to know that a fuller report of
those particular meetings will be found in this book.
I would especially commend " Days of Blessing ' to your
notice,as containing an account of one of the most interest-
ing conferences of which you have ever read.
I may mention again the book,
"A Missionary Band.''
We mentioned it at our meeting last year. It was then
just out. Since that time an edition of 10,000 copies has
been sold, all but a dozen or so of the better bound
volumes. We trust to issue very speedily another edition,
bringing up the report concerning our Cambridge friends
to a more recent period, and also adding other matter,
which we trust will still further add to the usefulness of
the book.
In connection with that book I may say that our
dear friend who presides to-day has been kind enough to
take a thousand copies, and has sent a copy to every
Young Men's Christian Association throughout the
United Kingdom, and in Australia and New Zealand,
accompanied by a letter recommending the formation of a
Foreign Missionary Society in connection with every
branch of the Young Men's ChristianAssociation. We have
had already many signs of the interest which has been
created in these Associations by the reading of the book.
We have never publicly mentioned it before, but it
may interest you to know that our Queen graciously ac-
cepted a copy which was sent to her. We trust that there
is yet a mission of wide usefulness for that book. It con-
CHINA'S MILLIONS.
83
tains some of the most striking and most impressive
utterances of many distinguished men on the question of
Foreign Missions, and I refer to it nowto call your attention
to the new and enlarged edition to be published shortly.
SPECIAL NEEDS.
At our annual meeting two years ago we referred to the
special needs of the mission, and I then stated that one
need was
NEW PREMISES IN SHANGHAI,
wheie we had to pay a very high rental for the accom"
modation required for business purposes, and for the
reception of those who arrive from England and those
who are returning to England, as Shanghai is the point
of arrival and departure for them all. I said that if,
instead of having to pay a very high rental, we were
enabled to build, an outlay which would not represent
more than half-a-dozen years' rent would secure pre-
mises of our own. I am very thankful to be able to
report to you to-day that, through the kindness of a friend
of the Mission, land has been secured in Shanghai, con-
venient and suitable for the erection of the requisite pre-
mises, so that now we have the site, and only need the
building.
I also mentioned on that occasion that a
NEW PRAYER MEETING ROOM
in Pyrland Road was needed, because of the inconveni-
ence caused by the present room being often crowded
in an unwholesome manner. We were very desirous to
obtain a large room, and some friends kindly sent us con-
tributions for that purpose. Between four and five hun-
dred pounds were given ; but we greatly regret to have
to report that our endeavours to obtain permission to
build behind our present premises have been unsuccess-
ful. The ground-landlords do not see their way to allow
us to do that, and now we have to face an absolute re-
fusal. Very much crowded and inconvenienced as we
are, not only in the matter of the prayer meeting room,
but for packing rooms and for other purposes, the ques-
tion has been, What shall we do ? and very recently land
has been offered to us not very many yards from this
place. Concerning this matter we are still needing
guidance. There has been so much of kindness and
brotherly love shown to us by our friends at Mildmay
that we do not want to go many yards away. We like
their company very much and want to stay near Mildmay.
Land has been offered which would cost too much for
our present means. I mention it now, though almost
regretfully, because it must be understood that we do not
wish any gift for that purpose to interfere with any other
gift to carry on the work of the Mission.
Our chairman has referred to this being the Jubilee
year, as a reason why it should be marked by the out-
going of
A HUNDRED NEW WORKERS.
We are trusting that it will be so, but that will involve,
for expenses of passage and outfit and ordinary support,
about £ 1 0,000 more income. We have not said any-
thing about the Jubilee year for a very good reason. If
that were our plea this year we should need another
next year, because we shall want ,£10,000 then just as
much, to support those who have gone.
Many are offering for the work. We want your
prayers for guidance that there may be no mistake —
that none may be refused who ought to go, and none
sent but those who are really fitted for the work and
called of God. In this matter, above all things, we do
most urgently implore our friends to remember us con-
tinually. Conscious of our own ignorance and weakness
in this supremely important matter, we cast ourselves
absolutely upon the guidance of the Lord, and trust
that all who care for His work will above all things seek
that in this particular thing those connected with the
mission may be Divinely directed.
We are looking for a year of blessing. It is not my
province to speak about China. My dear brother, Mr.
Taylor, will do that. I have simply spoken about the
home work. We have to rejoice in an improvement of
the income, and in blessing in various directions ; and we
look with confidence to all those who have taken an inte-
rest in the work to the present time, that they will still
follow it with their prayers and their sympathy; and then
we shall be permitted still further to rejoice in increased
blessing both at home and abroad.
Rev. J. HUDSON TA YLOR.
IT IS indeed a cause of thankfulness when we look back
at the state of China fifty years ago to see what GOD
has wrought. To go back only twenty-two years to the time
before the Lammermuir party went out, there were still
eleven large provinces without a single missionary. There
is a map of England on the same scale in the corner of
most of our maps of China. We always like to refer to it,
because we are apt to forget how very large a country
China is. If you will keep that map of England in your
mind's eye, and compare it with the provinces of China,
you will see what large territories were wholly without the
Gospel when the China Inland Mission was first
formed.
At that time we had no right to reside inland, or to
travel with passports. It was not until the Chefoo Con-
vention was concluded that passports were obtainable
So when the Mission was first formed, in order by God's
help to preach the Gospel in all those then untouched in-
land provinces, it was indeed a great undertaking — an
undertaking which no man in his senses would have
dreamt of, apart from theWord of the living God. But then
we had both the command to go into all the world (which
surely included each of those eleven provinces) and the
assurance,
"All power is given unto Me,''
all power in heaven and on earth. And, again, we had the
promise that the Possessor of this power would Himself
go with, and manifest Himself on behalf of, each mis-
sionary, as circumstances might require. " Lo, I am with
you alway, even unto the end of the world." " I will
never fail you, never forsake you, never leave you." Such
were the assurances with which the Mission was formed,
and with which the first missionaries went out to China.
Now, what has God done ? He set before us, during
the first ten years of the Mission, open doors in unworked
parts of four provinces, in one of which, Gan-hwuy, we
long continued the only workers. During the last ten or
eleven years God has permitted our missionaries to enter
and travel through all the remaining provinces of the
eleven which, on the formation of the Mission, were un-
evangelised. He has given us residences in ten of them.
We were not, however, allowed to retain the residences
in Hu-nan ; and we still look forward to the time when,
84
CHINA'S MILLIONS.
not only in Hu-nan, but in K\vang-SI also, we shall have
resident missionaries ; because the promise is unshaken,
and the command is just the same as it was then.
It was twenty-one years ago to day that I sailed with
the Lammermuir party, leaving my dear friend, Mr.
Berger, to represent us in England. The home work was
carried on by him for a number of years, and when he
was unable longer to continue it, I had returned to
England, and it was handed to me again.
Before I needed to return to China, a little council
was formed, some of the members of which are on the
platform with us to-day, and are still spared to the
work,
I received this morning a letter from dear Mr. Berger,
written from Cannes, to reach us on this morning, full of
praise to God " for what He has condescended to do in
China through the instrumentality of the China Inland
Mission during the past twenty-one years, and ascribing
all the glory to Him to whom it is alone due."
[Mr. Taylor read the whole letter, and continued] :
It is quite an exceptional thing with us to read a letter
of this kind, but Mr. Berger's long association with us
warrants my departing from our ordinary procedure, and
mentioning his continued interest in the work and kind
gift to-day of ^500 towards the expensesof sending the 100
new missionaries. Mr. Broomhall has told you than
twenty-six have sailed this year as members of the
Mission, besides five who have gone out in association
(fompraliitt Statistic 0f Ibc Cbrmi $nlanir HJisshm.
1876.
1884.
1885.
1886.
Increase on
Last Year.
Ten Years. "
I. Stations and Missionaries.
Missionaries and wives (including associates
and those temporarily absent)
52
1'
127
■ 177
225
4 S
173
Stations
44
67
15
Out-Stations
Si
85
84
—
33
Chapels
12
41
52
II
40
II. Native Helpers.
Ordained Native Pastors
7
8
8
II
3
4
Assistant Preachers, etc.
33
5-1
58
47
_
14
School Teachers
2
10
12
13
1
11
Colporteurs and Chapel Keepers
27
22
20
26
6
—
Bible "Women
6
12
16
20
4
14
Total Native Helpers
75
106
" I
■ 1;
3
42
III. Medical Work.
Medical Missionaries
2
5
7
8
1
6
Hospitals, Dispensaries, and Refuges for Cure
of Opium Smoking
2
8
?3
;
11
IV. Schools.
Boarding Schools
9
107
13
9
Pupils (Native)
[20
120
Day Schools
:
12
9
Pupils (Native)
104
154
88
English and Eurasian Boarding Schools
V. Provinces without anv resident Missionary
2
2
2
\\ ork t'<vun since
1876 in
7
with it. It cheered me very much the other day when I
found that God had just fitted the supplies to the needs.
All those of our accepted candidates who were able to go
out had been sent. There had been no lack, and yet
not much over. There had not been special funds to
send out another, had there been another wishful to go.
But if the way had been open for others to go, I have no
doubt that the further funds would have been supplied.
I mentioned this at our prayer-meeting a little before one
o'clock to-day. Immediately after, this cheque for .£500
for that fund came to hand, and I may add that I have
notice that on the 1st of July we shall receive from
another donor a cheque for four times that amount for
the same fund. This, I think, will be cheering to you, as
it is to me.
A telegram came into the prayer-meeting this morning
from China, and I thought that there might be some-
thing needing prayer or thanksgiving. I had received a
telegram at our weekly prayer-meeting on Saturday last
and, though I had given out the hymn, I read the
telegram while the tune was being played over, and I
had to ask the friends to suspend the singing of the
hymn until I announced that our brother Stevenson had
telegraphed that in April 226 persons had been baptised
in the province of SHAN-SI, and we had to give GOD
thanks and praise. So I opened the telegram this morning
also. It was very brief, but it told of a donation of ,£1,000
given in China.
GOD is, in this matter of funds, giving us signs that
He is working with us ; that this work is pleasing to
CHINAS MILLIONS.
85
Him, and that therefore He is prospering us. He will
give the whole 100 and He will provide for them.
Instead of reading a formal report to you, we have
given you as you entered the room the condensed items
in tabular form. If you look at the statistics of the
China Inland Mission for January, 1887 (bearing in mind
the foot-note showing that the number of missionaries
and associates, in column four, has been corrected for
May, 1887), you will see that we have good occasion to
thank God and take courage. I noted down, before
coming here, some of the statistics that we had before us
at our meeting ten years ago, and also those that were
presented last year and the year before.
[Instead of the verbal comparison given in the address
we have given the figures in the tabular forms.]
It will be seen that one less chapel is noted in 1886.
This needs explanation. We have discontinued providing
one in T'ai-ping Fu, in Gan-hwuy; but the native Christians
are collecting money to build one for themselves (as others
have done elsewhere), when the number will be restored.
It will also be seen that the number of assistant preachers
is less. Three have been ordained, several have died,
others have been enabled to support themselves, while a
larger number of competent volunteer workers than ever
before have been assisting in the good work with great
blessing. Under the head of schools the returns are in-
complete, as also the number of refuges for the cure of
opium-smokers.
In the matter of churches and communicants I have
not had time to ascertain how they stood ten years ago,
but have before me the returns of the last three years.
They stand thus :—
1876.
1884.
1885.
1886.
Increase on
Last year.
Two years.
VI. Churches and Communicants.
Organised Churches . . . . . .
n
55
59
4
16
Male Communicants
—
MS
836
1,058
222
44°
Female Communicants
—
339
478
586
108
247
Total in Fellowship
—
OS 7
1.3 14
1,655*
341
698
Baptised in the year
—
95
210
402
183
307
Baptised from commencement
—
i,764
Dls. 221-35
2,026
2,438
412
674
Native Contributions, so far as reported
—
Dls. 408-13
Dls. 472-24
Dls. 64-11
Dls. 250-89
The total number in church fellowship at the close
of last year was 1,655. Now, that may seem a very
small number, but still it is a cause for profound thankful-
ness ; and since these tables have been made up, the 226
baptised in Shan-si have been added to the church
there ; and in at least two other places I have informa-
tion of more additions during the first four months of this
year than during the whole of the preceding year,
bringing the number of communicants to date to over
1,900, and of those baptised from the commencement, to
about 2,700 ; so that we have great cause for encourage-
ment — especially if you bear in mind that many of our
stations are new ones, in which there are as yet no con-
verts at all. In others the fruit has only just begun to
appear. Our brother, Mr. Hunt, for instance, will tell
you, with great joy, of the baptism of the first ten in
Ts'in-chau, Kan-suh, just before he left, after years of
labour, and the formation of the first Christian church in
that province. A great deal of our work is new, and
must be looked upon still as pioneer work. We hope
that it will soon be removed from that category, and that
there will be such an outpouring of the Holy Spirit
that the number of conversions will be very greatly in-
creased. Our dear friend, Mr. Radcliffe, has encouraged
us to expect that God will pour out floods upon the dry
ground, and we fully expect it. Now the 226 would be
a very small flood in England ; but it is no small flood
to begin with in China, and we hope that larger will
follow.
You will notice that during the last ten years seven
large provinces have been residentially occupied by our
missionary brothers and sisters, that our two qualified
medical men have been increased to eight, and that in-
stead of two hospitals and dispensaries we have thirteen
now. Then the progress all along the line is very real
and substantial, and the fruits of it will more and more
fully appear.
Last year I had the privilege of visiting our mission
stations in nine provinces of the fourteen or fifteen
for which we work. It was a very cheering visit to me,
and the thing that impressed and encouraged me most
of all was the great preparedness of the people for the
Gospel. It was not merely in one province ; it was the
same wherever I went. It seemed as though the visits
of missionary pioneers, the preaching of the Gospel by
the wayside and in the inns and temples, the books that
have been circulated by colporteurs of the Bible societies
and by itinerant members of our own and other missions,
— and, above all, the operations of the Holy Spirit
using these means, for which there has been so much
prayer — have prepared the people to listen with an in-
telligence and apprehension of what we are aiming at,
such as I have never seen before.
In several of ihese provinces I have travelled not a little
since 1868. In two of them, indeed, I have spent much
time in itinerating from 1854, and in four others of
them I was going over very familiar ground. In everyone
of these I noticed a great advance. I was very thankful
to find many mission stations opened since my last visit ;
and in two provinces which I had never visited before it
was my joy to meet hundreds of native Christians, and to
take part in the ordination of three native pastors, two
additional elders, and sixteen deacons. There were
already a number of elders set apart to assist the mission-
aries in the care of the churches. These were all men
who, as I had every reason to believe, had been well
tested, and had been much used of God. Most of them
had proved faithful under the trial of severe personal
persecution. Time would fail me to enter upon the
character of the native Christians now. Let me say,
The sex of eleven baptised was not returned.
86
CHINA'S MILLIONS.
however, that I was greatly struck by the way in which
God has prepared many of them for the preaching of
His own Word. The expositions of scripture that were
given by some of our native brothers I have never heard
exceeded anywhere for intelligence or for spiritual insight
and power. Most searching were the words of some of
our native pastors in our native conference. I wish that
they had been more fully reported. Their testimonies,
as reported in the little book, " Days of Blessing,"* will be
deeply interesting to many of you.
I was surprised to find how many opium refuges had
been opened by native Christians at their own charges,
though I knew that they had done not a little in this way.
In one city that I visited with Mr. Beauchamp and Mr.
Studd, there were between eighty and ninety native
Christians who had been converted through God's bless-
ing at the opium refuge opened by Pastor Hsi, at his own
expense and on his own responsibility. Now, this was a
great work, and these Christians had stood persecution.
There was another in the city of Hoh-chau. Pastor Hsi
prayed about that place morning by morning for a long
time at family worship. At last his wife said to him,
" Why are you always praying for Hoh-chau ? Why do
you not go and open a refuge there, as you have clone
elsewhere?" He said, " I have expended all that I can
use in this way, and I cannot do it until GOD supplies
the means.'' "Why," she said, "what would it cost to
open it ?'' " Oh," "said he, " I could not open a place of
that kind unless I had from 20,000 to 30,000 cash " (from
£4 to £6 sterling). When the wife heard that she went
away, and said no more. Next morning Pastor Hsi was
praying again for this city ; and after family prayers were
over, his wife came to him with a pocket-handkerchief in
her hand, and she said to him, " Here are all my bracelets
and earrings, and all my gold and silver hairpins and
jewellery. Go and sell these. They will fetch more
money than you need to open your refuge. I can do
without them.'' He said to me, " I cannot tell you
whether it gave me more pleasure to open the refuge, or
to receive the means from my wife in that way."
I spent a very happy Sunday at his house, and I met
Mrs. Hsi there, of course. On the Monday morning I
said to her, " Did you not feel it to be a great wrench to
give up all your jewellery?" because I knew that Chinese
women, like all Eastern women, put great store on these
things, and think very much of personal adornments.
She looked so happy, and her face told me before she
spoke a word what the answer would be. She replied
" Oh no, I was so glad ! I had taken the Lord Jesus for
all ; and is He not enough to satisfy anyone's heart ? " Ah,
my friends, I cannot tell you how the tears of joy ran
down my cheek. For twenty years I had been praying
for Shan-si and Shen-si, and had never seen them ; and
the first time I went there I saw men who had lost their
literary degree, men who had been beaten openly by the
mandarins and put to shame, for Christ's sake — men
who had lost their property. There was one man whose wife
had separated herself from him, because she would not live
with him as a Christian. And, in other provinces I
visited, there were others who had suffered great
trial. One man I met who had had his ear cut off, and
had nearly lost his life. He had been cruelly beaten, and
otherwise put to shame for Christ's sake. And yet these
men were rejoicing in the LORD. They were going for-
ward with joy and gladness, preaching the Gospel of
Christ. Oh, how thankful my heart was ! I do wish
that you, dear friends, could have heard one tenth of the
testimony that I heard, and could have seen the bright,
happy faces that I saw in China. You would have been
delighted, you would have taken courage, and gone for-
ward with great expectation of blessing in store for China
in days not far to come.
The hymn, " There shall be showers of blessing," was then sung.
Mr. DORWARD,
Of the China Inland Mission, from Hu-nan,
WE HAVE just been singing of showers of blessing.
The work in Hu-NAN in which I have been
engaged has been very trying and difficult. We have not
yet been able to open a permanent station, and have not
seen very much blessing in the ingathering of souls.
But I do not regret in any way my having been there. I
have sought, in some measure, as did David, "to
encourage myself in my God."
CONVERSION THROUGH ITINERANT WORK.
When I went out, I spent about two and a half years
in the Gan-hwuy province. After a time of study and
stay in the out-stations, I began itinerant work, and soon
had the joy of knowing that God had blessed at least
one soul. Preaching and selling tracts in a city, possibly
never visited before by a Protestant missionary, a man
came up and asked a number of questions. He came
with us to the inn, and before we left we gave him
two books. Afterwards he came to one of the out-sta-
tions inquiring for us. There was no missionary re-
siding there, but a day or two after this man arrived, Mr.
Pearse visited it. On examining him, he was so satisfied
with his knowledge of the Gospel and apparent sincerity,
that he baptised him forthwith. So we had reason to
take courage, and persevere in itineration.
While working in the Gan-hwuy province, God laid
Hu-NAN upon my heart. Journeys into that province
had been taken by our own missionaries, and by some
others — more particularly by Mr. Archibald, of the
Scottish National Bible Society : but there had been no
definite effort made for settled work. Friends urged me
not to think of Hu-nan, that there was plenty of work
elsewhere, that the Hu-nan people were very hostile to
foreigners, and it would be better to work where we could
definitely settle among the people. But Hu-nan was
so laid upon my heart that I felt that I must go, and the
Lord opened up the way.
For four years I went about the province without any
European associate. We worked with the intention of
settling down, but the people were very hostile to us.
We visited, however, a very large number of cities and
towns and villages, had interesting conversations, sold
gospels and books, and sought in every way to spread
the knowledge of the Gospel.
WORK. IN HUNG-KIANG.
One city that I tried to settle in was called Hung-kiang.
I visited it over and over again, and ultimately I rented
rooms there. After staying a short time it was thought
advisable that I should leave for a few months ; then I
returned again, and stayed for about five months. We
dispensed medicine, cured men of opium-smoking, and
sought to make known the Gospel.
We worked very quietly, lest the people should be
Morgan'and Scott, price is. paper, and is. 6d. cloth covers, with Map and Illustrations.
CHINAS MILLIONS.
87
agitated against us ; but eventually a mob came to the
house, and said they would not have us living there. I
did not definitely promise to leave, so they came back
again and began to pull down the house. They burst
open the door, broke down one partition, and began in
other ways to smash the house. I was very sorry to
leave. The magistrate of the district sent a message that
if I would come and live at his residence, he would try
to put the matter right. I did go, but he afterwards said
that he was able to do nothing, and in a few days we had
to leave the place.
We have reason to believe that God gave blessing,
and that one or two were really brought to the LORD
Jesus while we were living there. Mr. Eason met a man
in the province of Yun-nan, who, he believed, was a
true Christian, and he was one of those who had received
the Gospel while we were living in Hung-kiang.
DANGERS AND DIFFICULTIES.
Of the nine years that I have been in China, six years
have been thus spent in trying to settle in Hu-NAN.
During all that time, just passing from place to place,
it has very often been attended with great suspense.
We have come to a city, by foot or by native boat, and
have entered it, not knowing whether we should leave it
alive or not. But God's presence was very real to me in
the midst of all difficulties and trials. Sometimes I have
been thankful that I had taken a journey, if only for the
experience I had myself realised of God's presence and
blessing in my soul. I hope to work in the same field
again. I believe that God will yet give us a settlement
among the people, and that He will win many trophies
for the Lord Jesus in that province.
Kwang-si, which lies south of Hu-nan, has had no
settled mission station. These two provinces have an
estimated population of twenty-one millions, and all these
millions are without the knowledge of JESUS Christ. I
should like to interest God's people in these two provinces,
so that they might pray definitely for the work of God in
them.
A BUDDHIST PRIEST CONVERTED.
Not being able to settle in Hu-nan, we opened a sta-
tion just outside the province, at Sha-shi, only a day's
journey from the border. GOD is giving blessing in that
city. The first convert there, only two or three years
ago was a Buddhist priest, an opium-smoker, and a
gambler. Now his life is entirely changed. He is saved
from his idolatry : he is saved from his opium : he is
saved from the sins that formerly he lived in. Now he
is going about to spread abroad the knowledge of the
Lord Jesus. There are several others who, we trust, are
truly converted.
SUCCESS AMONG THE WOMEN.
In a letter received two or three days ago from a lady
missionary settled in Sha-shi', she says : —
" Just a note of praise. We have very much to encourage us
in the work among the women. Numbers come daily. We
have a good number here on Sundays, and many seem really
interested. Two old women, we believe, are really converted.
They are_ doing very nicely, giving us much joy. Pray that
these first-fruits might be made a blessing to many of their own
sisters."
But while our sister writes so encouragingly about the
the work amongst the women, she says that the men are
not so favourably impressed. She writes : —
"Our brethren have very little encouragement in the hall.
Indeed, the men aie very hostile here, and very little would
cause a riot. To-day we had to send for one of the brethren
to come over, as a lot of ragged boys had been at our back door
throwing large stones into the small windows, and also throw-
ing large stones from the bank of the river against the door.
We had to bar it, but it was no use. They soon smashed that.
A crowd gathered and encouraged the boys. They kept at
it for about four hours, the men looking on, and enjoying the
fun."
The people in Sha-shi' are not quite so hostile as the
people in Hu-nan, but they have a similar feeling. Pray
God to keep the place open, and that that station may
be used as a stepping-stone into Hu-nan. Pray very
specially, too, for Hun-an and Kwang-si, that God
would open up those two provinces, and save many souls
through the preaching of His Word there.
Rev. J. HUDSON TA YLOR.
JUST a word in addition to what Mr. Dorward has told
you. That needy province, in which he has worked so
perseveringly, has sixteen millions of precious souls. No
one can imagine what it has been to be practically home-
less for six years — never to know when he went to bed
any night, whether he would sleep quietly in his room,
or whether there would be a riot. He can indeed testify
to this — that God has kept the bones of His saints. But
God has not given any promise that the skin should
not be broken ; and if Mr. Dorward told you all the
truth, more than once has he been cut and bruised, though
the bones have not fractured. I do thank God for giving
us Mr. Dorward. I praise God for all those who are
going forward and working in the more encouraging parts
of China. One thanks GOD for the fives and tens and
twenties baptised ; but I do praise God for the men who
work for God without encouragements, and who, for God,
are willing to be homeless, to work among the hostile, and
to spread the knowledge of Christ even in Hu-nan and
Kwang-si.
KWANG-SI.
Some time ago Mr. Fulton, an American Presbyterian
missionary, from Canton, with his wife and his wife's
sister, who is a lady medical missionary, succeeded in
opening a station in Kwang-si, at a city called Kwai-
ping. A riot took place soon afterwards, however, and
they were driven away, as our brother Dorward has been
in Hu-nan. There is some probability of their being
able to return to Kwai-ping, though I have not heard that
they have yet succeeded in doing so.
In one part of Kwang-si they speak a dialect very
much akin to the Canton dialect, with which my dear
friend, Mr. Piercy, is so familiar ; and in the other parts
of it they speak Mandarin, the dialect which most of our
workers use. So that we hope that God will graciously
answer prayer, and let the missionaries from Canton
get into the east and the south, and let our missionaries
get into the west and the north. How glad the mission-
aries will be to meet together and shake hands !
Will you pray that dear Mr. Dorward, when he gee;
back again, and his fellow-workers may be bold in their
God ? They really need our prayers ; they will not go
into that province at all unless they are bold in their God.
May God sustain and cheer them in their difficult but
important work.
88
CHINA'S MILLIONS.
Rev. JAMES STEPHENS, M.A.,
Of Highgate.
DEAR FRIENDS, there is matterfor great joy and
thankfulness in what we learn from these brethren
and sisters, over two hundred in number, who are
labouring where a few years ago there were but a tenth
part of the number, and where some years further back
there were no open doors at all. If we are touched
at all with sympathy with our Lord Jesus Christ,
we shall rejoice greatly in these witnesses for Him in
that long-sealed empire of China.
SPIRITUAL POWER.
We should rejoice, too, to-day because these brethren
and sisters are traversing China, not speaking simply,
but working in the power of the Spirit. GOD is giving
testimony to the word of His grace. We see there, it
may be, feeble Christians, but we see also strong Chris-
tians — Christians whose life and spirit are a lesson for
us at home.
And while we are speaking of signs following, I do
not forget the reason we have to rejoice in brethren like
Mr. Dorward. It needs the power of the Spirit to bear
up amid hostility. We remember that word in the
Epistle to the Colossians, "Strengthened with all might,
according to His glorious power, unto all patience and
longsuffering, with joyfulness." There is the power of
patience. There is the power of humble resoluteness.
There is the power of seeking, with an unquenchable
love, that some shall be gained there for the Lord
Jesus Christ.
Again, "Out of weakness made strong" is a good
motto for this China Inland Mission. It was but a
small company a short time ago, and its home representa-
tion was like Paul's presence, perhaps — not veiy con-
spicuous at any rate, and now it has become a great
band, " out of weakness made strong." But still, al-
though there are these 225 witnesses for Christ in
China — and it is a wonderful thing almost to double your
workers within a year or two, and to add a hundred new
men and women in a single year ; yet we must measure
it on the other hand with the needs of China. " What
are these among so many ? " We have to take this into
account — rejoicing in what God has wrought, and yet
recognising that it is only a stepping-stone to much
more yet to follow.
expansiveness.
One is struck very much with the expansiveness of the
China Inland Mission. We hear sometimes of men
being needed for the field, the money being in hand. We
hear sometimes of men being in hand, the money being
needed. But in connection with this Mission we are not
led to dwell on either one or the other, but on this — a
company looking up to God to give men and women, and
then looking with confidence to His providing the means.
If a brother (or a sister) comes who gives evidence of
being called of God, he is accepted, then the passage-
money comes, and that one is sent in the confidence that, if
God sends men, God will send supplies as the need
arises. Hence there is no limit to the expansiveness of
this Mission. There is no limit to the way in which
God can work on the hearts of men and women to offer,
and there is no limit to the measure in which God can
work on Christian hearts to give for the supply of those
brethren and sisters.
responsibility.
And yet, dear friends, we must, I think, confess this
other matter, that along with this vast expansiveness,
there is need of special grace for those who are called on
to direct affairs. It is a tremendous responsibility to send
out a hundred brethren and sisters to that great country.
Even in England it would be something to take charge
of scattered companies from Land's End to John o'Groat's ;
but how much more in China, where the distances are so
great, and where facilities of communication are so much
fewer. The responsibility of directing affairs is specially
great. The responsibility of so locating workers that they
will work together is great. These are oftentimes conse-
crated men and women. We trust that it is so in all
cases : in most cases'there is no doubt about it ; still,
even consecrated men and women have often their diffi-
culties in getting on side by side with one another, and
so the responsibilities of directing this great company,
and causing it to be bound in one are not small.
WALKING WITH GOD.
Another feature of this Mission on which we must
dwell is this, that one who has nothing at his back, but is
simply depending on God, must give very special heed
that he is walking with God, or else his supplies will
stop. There must be a walking closely with God in all the
details of the work. And this, again — the very principle
upon which this Mission is conducted — specially encour-
ages— I may almost say drives — the brethren and sisters
to the exercise of faith and prayer. There is special deve-
lopment of faith and prayer in connection with this work,
thus opening the door for God to come in and work.
After all, it is not merely important to preach the
Gospel, but that the hand of God should be seen, and the
glory of God be manifested in connection with it.
woman's work.
I may mention also, the great space given in this Mis-
sion to the work of sisters. If we may for the moment
use the phrase for a sister "the weaker vessel," then here,
again, God has taken the weak things to confound the
mighty. " Out of weakness made strong." It is to me
marvellous how God has used many of these sisters so
mightily among the Chinese, and made them the instru-
ments of accomplishing the most marked changes — that
great change, which is nothing less than from death to
life. And not only among those out there are these
sisters working, but I believe that the influence of many
of them is felt at home. I rejoice in the influence of a
young sister far in the North-west of China, a member
of my own church, whose letters home are to this day a
means of blessing and a stimulus — not merely exciting
interest in missionary subjects, but a means of stirring
up faith in God, and a belief in the power of the Holy
Ghost.
Let us rejoice, then, in the work that is done. Let us
rejoice that in the doing of it, these brethren and sisters
are thrown upon GOD in faith and prayer. Let us rejoice
in the place that is given to the Holy Ghost in their
work, and the influence of that Holy Spirit through
them, not only in China, but here. Let it be for us who
are at home, a day of thankfulness and great gladness,
and praise to the Lord Jesus, who taketh up whom He
will, and who is faithful to His word, whether in China
or in England.
C&IAA'S MILLIONS.
Mr. CURNOW.
THIS perhaps is one of the happiest moments of my
life. My heart brims over with gratitude, and I have a
distinct consciousness that God is calling me to China.
For years I have been labouring in His vineyard, but
there has been a consciousness that I was not in the
sphere that He would ultimately call me to. Again and
again have I striven to open the door which He had not
opened, but eventually God 'has opened it. Now my
difficulties have been cleared away.
I want to say a word to encourage mothers and
Sunday-school teachers. Amongst the varied agencies
that God has used in my case, the first and foremost of
them is the influence of a mother who was anxious that
God should make her son a preacher. My early days
were spent under influences that were adverse to spiritu-
ality, but that mother's influence seemed like a wall of fire
round about me, and her prayers rest upon me to-day.
Another agency, which the Spirit of God blessed in my
case, was the Sabbath-school. God taught me,'and laid
open the way of salvation to me there. Sunday-school
teachers, I would appeal to you to keep before your
children the foreign field, as well as the work at home,
and the development of spiritual life in their own hearts.
When the three kings assembled in the valley of Edom,
on the borders of Moab, they were conscious of being
well equipped, and they had the right captain to lead them.
But though they had every advantage and promise of
success, yet God threw them back upon Himself by with-
holding the necessary water from the host. So God
often throws us back upon Himself by the little incidents
of our life, and He seems to-day to throw me back upr»n
Himself more than ever.
When I face the claims of that country, the multitude
of the people, and the difficulties that must ever be
attendant upon the work — when I think that every
individual heart of that mighty multitude is in itself a
fortress which must be stormed by the truth, individually,
the greatness of that work rises before me, and I sink in
feebleness before God. I desire that your prayers may
be offered up for me amongst the other members of this
Mission. I know that God's blessing is at hand, and only
because of the confidence that I have in Him dare I go
forward to face the difficulties and to do His work in that
land.
The CHAIRMAN
I have often thought that God raised up the Y.M.C.A.
in a great measure to prepare young men for the ministry
at home, and especially for foreign work. Now the next
gentleman whom I have the pleasure of introducing to
you is the Secretary of our excellent Y.M.C.A. in Bath.
As far as I am concerned, I am very sorry that he is
going, yet for China's sake I rejoice that God has called
him to this work.
Mr. STOOKE.
I FEEL to-day so thankful and glad that I am going to
that country, and it is owing to the Y. M. C. A. I am glad
also that my spiritual father (Mr. Hind Smith) is on the
platform. He has just given me this text, " Without
Me ye can do nothing."
This is not the time to enter into details about myself
or the future. Mr. Williams is one amongst many who
have been the means of putting this into my heart. It
has been his habit for some time to send books to our
various associations, and I remember well when he sent
" A Missionary Band," and inside it a circular letter. I
cannot tell you how much that letter worried me for a
long time ; it came up day after day as a phantom. It is
there now, and is worrying three or four other young
fellows in Bath. I do not know what will be the end of
it. I do trust that as brother Coulthard, who is one of
the China Inland missionaries, has said, out of Bath will
go seven brave men to China.
There is only one object before us who go out, and that
is by the mighty arm of the living God to turn those
dark, dreary hearts to the Light of life. I was reading
only a few days ago a speech by Ossian Davies, of Tol-
lington Park, which impressed me very much, a short
piece of which I should like to leave with you, and with
this I will close. Speaking of the vast needs of lost
London, he said that Ruskin had written a book called
the " Ethics of Dust," and in that book he states that he
gathered together one day a quantity of London slime —
dry mud and dust — and, taking it to his laboratory, he
found that it was composed of clay, sand, soot, and
water. These same substances, under the marvellous
power of crystallization, are found in varied forms — the
clay appears as the sapphire, the sand as an opal with
blue, purple, and green reflections ; the soot appears as a
diamond, and the water as a snow-star. Oh ! you cannot
think what a bright, sweet precious lesson that brought
home to me. I thought, If these dear Chinamen are dark
and dull, what may not they become ? Under a diviner
law, these pieces of clay, and sand, and soot shall be
turned into spiritual sapphires and opals and diamonds !
May it be so, for Christ's sake.
Miss CAMPBELL
I HOPE to be amongst those who go to China this
autumn, if the Lord will. I believe that He is calling
me to go. It has not been at all an easy matter to decide,
for there were many opportunities of service at home ; but
if He call His servants from one part to another, it is His
matter to supply the place that they are leaving. The
Master calls, the servants must obey ; and it is a joy to
obey when we can hear His voice. The only difficulty is
to be quite sure that we do hear His voice.
That I am going is no choice of my own. i think that
I may therefore depend upon what seem to me to be God's
leadings. I gladly go where He calls ; the love of
Christ constraineth us, and anything in His service is
blessed. If He condescends to use us in any way, it is a
joy. His sweet will is sure to be best, and our hearts
gladly respond to it. Anywhere with Jesus, anything for
Jesus ! Of His own work at home He can take care.
The going away of some may be the means of calling out
90
CHINA'S MILLIONS.
many others who have not been doing so much as they
now will, when they see the need of supplying our
places.
I do also trust that many more will look at the work
abroad, which so interests us now, and rfsk, " LORD, what
wilt Thou have me to do?" Some of us may have
been working for more or less time in a sphere of work
that is very dear to us, and the Master may want some-
one else to have that joy, and have a still greater joy for
us elsewhere. I was very slow to lift my eyes up from
that which was such a joy to me in the Lord's work, and
it was very difficult to think that it was His voice ; but
I now believe it, and I am going forth in that btlief.
Unless He stop me by something very special, I must go.
There may hz some here who have been feeling as 1
did, " There is a great deal to do at home. The LORD
has given many open doors. Surely I must stay here.'
There may be some in this hall whom the Lord means
to go forth. Oh, do not resist his voice ! It is a very
gentle one ; it is very easily stifled ; but the joy of going
forth because He calls will make up a hundredfold for
the sorrow of leaving.
The CHAIRMAN.
Miss Campbell is going out at her own charges. It is
a great sphere of labour in which she has been occupied
incessantly for the Lord ; but then she has heard this
call, and she is going out. I am sure we shall all rejoice
to remember her, as we shall dear Miss Williamson, who
will now speak to us.
Miss WILLIAMSON.
WHEN I was first asked to speak here, I said : " What
shall I say ? " " Oh ! " I was told, " say that you are
going to China. That is quite enough." Well, dear
friends, that is easily said. I hope, GOD willing, that I
shall go out in the autumn. I have been led to offer my-
self just step by step. At first, I really didn't know any-
thing about it ; but I asked the Lord to show me whit
He wanted me to do, and it has been the Lord Himself
who has led. Not a person in the world has ever said to
me: "Do you think you could be a missionary? Are
you willing ? Would you like to go ? " It has been no
worrying letter from a friend. It has been nothing but
God's word direct to me ; and, oh ! I am so glad that it
has just come from Himself.
I am very glad to say that the difficulties seem to be
all cleared away. The biggest difficulty often comes from
your friends ; they have so many things against it. The
strongest objection they had was this : " If you go to
China, you will perhaps die.'' Of course, that is quite
possible ; and if I do, the way to heaven is no farther
from China than from England. But, God willing, I
hope thit I am going out to work, and to do something
for the LORD which, perhaps, I have not been doing in
this country. I think I learnt one thing on Saturday
afternoon, when I was present for the first time at the
prayer-meeting held in Pyrland Road. I learned the
secret of the good work done in this Mission. That is
prayer. As I listened to the prayers that were offered
up, individually for each one of the missionaries now in
China, and for those who are going to China, I could not
help thinking, Oh ! I am so glad to know that some day,
God willing, my name, individually, will be remembered
by these dear friends at home, and I hope also by many
others that are here.
The CHAIRMAN.
We wish our beloved friends bright crowns, with many precious jewels in them. They are sacrificing, it may be,
temporal comfort and physical ease ; but then the gain ! Oh, how great it may be ! God bless them ! Let it be
the prayer of all hearts.
The Doxology was then sung, and the meeting was closed by Mr. Howard and the Rev. John Wilkinson
engaging in prayer.
(Sbmwg HUrting.
T. A. DENNY, Esq., Chairman.
The proceedings were opened with the hymn —
"Onward, Christian Soldiers."
Psalm ex. and 2 Timothy i. v, 8, etc., were read by Lord Radstock. Prayer was then offered by the Rev. JAMES
Calvert, of Fiji, and the hymn was sung, commencing
" Christ, of all my hopes the ground."
The CHAIRMAN
said : — My Christian friends, I would rather that some
one else had occupied this place to-night, but I have had
a long-standing engagement with dear Mr. Broomhall,
and I did not like to break it, not only because I like to
do what he likes me to do, but because I am very favour-
ably and lovingly disposed towards this mission. I believe
that in this mission, under the management of God
through 1 1 is servant Mr. Hudson Taylor and those
associated with him, all the responsibility of the choice
of the missionaries is thrown upon the Lord Himself.
I think that this is one great secret of their success, that
the missionaries are not equipped by human instru-
mentality, but just filled with the HOLY GHOST, and
called by Him. The friends are not quick in laying
hands upon any men or women, but they look circum-
spectly and all round, to see that the missionaries are fit,
that God has called them, and that they are just the men
and women for the position they are to occupy.
And God is greatly blessing this work. I think — I
suppose that we all think — that our eyes have been turned
CHINAS MILLIONS.
91
too much homewards for many a year. We have been
very busy in churches and chapels, and in various efforts
for the Christianising and the benefit of our fellow-
creatures in these islands at home, but we have been
fearfully wanting in our duty to the nations abroad. I
am glad to see that God is waking up the Christians and
waking up the Churches to a higher ideal upon that point ;
and it is a very notable feature of these days that GOD
is calling out a class of men and women which heretofore
did not think it their duty to leave these shores to benefit
the heathen abroad. GOD is seeking such people now,
and one of the difficulties which the management of this
Mission has, is not in getting the number of missionaries,
but in discriminating amongst the very large number of
those who offer themselves as to who are the most fit for
the work. God honours prayer, and loves that faith which
is asking for a hundred to go out this year. He is, I
believe, going to do all that you ask Him to do. I suppose
that Mr. Hudson Taylor will tell us that we cannot have
too much faith in Him, that we may cast ourselves with
abundant trust upon Him, and take, as it were, a leap
into the deep waters. I suppose that it is the narrowness
of faith that stints all the operations of the churches.
If we only believe in God everything seems to be possible.
I will not take up more time ; I will only say that as far
as missionary effort is concerned, I do not like anything
better than the China Inland Mission. I am glad to
bear my feeble testimony in favour of this work. I shall
be glad, God helping me, to help it. Everyone of us has
his own niche to fill. May GOD teach us what he would
have each particular man and woman to do. Theie are
some of you, no doubt, intent upon going out upon this
great service yourselves. That is the grandest of all
things.
There are others who cannot go, but they can pray,
and others who can give and help others to go. Let
each one of us perform, I will not call it our "duty,"
but our high and glorious privilege, in this respect. I
do love that noble ambition — I call it by that word — that
noble and holy and glorious ambition which this mission
has, to do what has been rarely done, and send out such
a band of workers as are likely to be sent out in this
year of grace, this jubilee year, 1887, to the full number
of one hundred. May GOD bless the mission.
Mr. BROOMHALL
{Secretary of the China Inland Mission).
It is not often that we make any reference to the friend
who presides in our meetings ; we jealously guard against
anything which sounds like compliment ; but I cannot say
a word to-night, without expressing, in the name of many
here, our very great obligation to our friend, Mr. Denny.
He has come from a scene of sorrow and trial, and our
heart sympathies are with him. We trust that our meet-
ing to-night will be a refreshment to his own soul, a
cheer while he is with us. He has been reminded, as
we all have been, that we must work while it is day ;
and, rather than nursing sorrow, he has come here that
he might take part in this work, and in words so kind,
express his sympathy with the workers, and with the
work itself. We do welcome those words of hearty
sympathy, and we rejoice, as he does, in the manifest
tokens of Divine presence.
Mr. Broomhall then repeated some of the information
reported above.
Rev. J. HUDSON TAYLOR.
IT is a great pleasure to meet so many of you here.
Our Father promises to those who leave their
native land for His Name sake a hundredfold what they
leave. Mrs. Amanda Smith says. "When God does
anything He does it handsome." That saying is most
true. So GODS hundredfold is a very liberal one. He
has given me a thousandfold fathers and mothers, sisters
and brothers, friends and homes — everything that ever I
left for Him. When I look at you, I do feel grateful.
What a household is the household of faith ! What a
family is that of which God has made us members !
Why, all the choice and the noble, and all the beautiful
and the good, the grand and the faithful — we are allied
to them all, one in Christ Jesus ! And we are going
home soon, and shall have plenty of time to enjoy them
all!
But here we must rescue the perishing. Millions of
souls will never get to heaven unless they are quickly
sought and found. We must be forgetful of self, of our
enjoyments and our sorrows, wholly engrossed in the
work of the Lord. When a steamer comes into collision
with another, and people are thrown into the waters,
delay ever so little and they all will be drowned. Nothing
must be done, nothing must be thought of, until every
one possible has been rescued and brought safe to land.
Now this is just our position to-night. We thank and
praise God for the great things He has done. But oh,
how little it is compared with the need ! Just look at that
clock. In five minutes we shall have been in this hall
three quarters of an hour. In China alone 900 souls
have passed into Christless graves ; in India, another 900
souls have passed into Christless graves ; and so will
another 900 from Africa, while we have been so happy
here ! Every fifteen minutes in India, Africa, and China
— 300 in each country, 900 in the three countries — are
passing into Christless graves. Is there not need to be
in earnest ? If anything is to be done it must be done
promptly — done at once !
INITIAL DIFFICULTIES.
We praise God for 2,438 persons baptised (to December,
1886 — about 2,700 to date), since the Mission was formed.
That may seem a very small result ; but think of what it
has involved — of the years of toil and labour frequently
required to gain an entrance into a single province. Mr.
Dorward was speaking this afternoon about the provinces
of Hu-nan and Kwang-si, which contain 20,000,000
of souls. For six consecutive years he has been living a
homeless life, a stranger, travelling from city to city, and
from town to town, trying in vain to secure a settlement
amongst them. He is not disappointed ; for God has
revealed Himself to him scores of times when in danger
of his life. If no other good had been accomplished that
revelation has been worth all it has cost. I have no
doubt that many souls have been brought to Christ,
and that eternity will reveal the fruit of his toil ! But
nothing appears in our record.
Again, in Kan-suh, many were the years of toil before
the reaping began. I did pray that GOD would give Mr.
Hunt the joy of seeing a Christian church formed before
he came home for change, and the last work that he did
there was to baptise ten converts — fruit after years of toil
of many workers.
Ah, dear friends, the LORD not only likes to " do hand.
9 2
CHINAS MILLIONS.
some," but He delights to give pleasure to His children-
When they ask that which is pleasing to Him, it is
pleasing indeed to Him to give that which they ask.
PRINCIPLES OF THE MISSION.
We have reached our twenty-first anniversary ; let us
look back at the very serious problems that had to be faced
at the outset. Nine provinces in which we are now residing,
and two others in which we still itinerate, were without
any missionary. After two or three years of vain effort
to induce others to do something, we felt constrained to
form the China Inland Mission. There were some
serious questions to consider. One was how to form the
Mission so as to be helpful to every existing missionary
agency, and not injurious to any — so that it would not
draw aside men or means from any of the societies. Then
again, considering the great needs of China, and that the
Master laid the command to go into all the world upon
every believer, would not it be possible, in a simple,
evangelistic work, for members of various denominations
to labour harmoniously side by side, without interference
with points of conscience ? We concluded to invite the
co-operation of fellow-believers, irrespective of denomina-
tion, who fully believed in the inspiration of God's Word,
and were willing to prove their faith by going into Inland
China with only the guarantees they carried within the
covers of their pocket Bibles.
God had said, " Seek first the kingdom of God and
His righteousness, and all these things (food and raiment)
shall be added to you. 1 ' If any one did not believe that
God spoke the truth, it would be better for him not to go
to China to propagate the faith. If he did believe it,
surely the promise sufficed. Again, " No good thing
will He withhold from them that walk uprightly.'' If any
one did not mean to walk uprightly, he had better stay at
home ; if he did mean to walk uprightly, he had all he
needed in the shape of a guarantee fund. God owns all
the gold and silver in the world, and the cattle on a
thousand hills. We need not be vegetarians.
GOD'S guarantees.
We might, indeed, have had a guarantee fund, if we
had wished it ; but we felt it was unneeded, and would do
harm. Money wrongly placed, and money given from
wrong motives, are both to be greatly dreaded. We can
afford to have as little as the Lord chooses to give ; but
we cannot afford to have unconsecrated money, or to have
money placed in the wrong position. Far better have no
money at all, even to buy food with, for there are ravens in
China, and the Lord could send them again with bread
and flesh. The Lord is always faithful; He tries the
faith of His people, or rather their faithlessness. People
say, " Lord, increase our faith.'' Did not the Lord
rebuke His disciples for that prayer ? He said, " You
do not want a great faith, but faith in a great God. If
your faith were as small as a grain of mustard-seed, it
would suffice to remove this mountain ! * We need a
faith that rests on a great God, and which expects Him
to keep His own Word, and to do just what He has
promised.
A hundred new missionaries.
Now we have been led to pray to GOD for a hundred
new workers this year. We have the sure word, " What-
soever ye shall ask in My name, I will do it, that the
Father may be glorified in the Son." Resting on this
promise it would not have added to our confidence one
whit if, when we began to pray in November, my dear
brother-in-law, Mr. Broomhall, had sent me out a printed
list of a hundred accepted candidates. We had been
spending some days in fasting and prayer for guidance
and blessing, before the thought was first suggested to
our mind. We began the matter aright — with God — and
we are quite sure that we shall end aright. It is a great
joy to know that thirty-one of the hundred are already in
China ; but it is a greater joy to know that many more
than a hundred of our workers in China are banded to-
gether in daily pleading with God to send the whole
hundred out.
And by the hundred we mean one ot God's handsome
hundreds — not a literal hundred. As you have heard,
thirty have gone out, including associates, and twenty
have been accepted. That gives us fifty. How many more
fifties there will be in the hundred I cannot tell. We
shall know on December 31st. Whether God will give
His "exceeding abundantly " by sending us more than
the literal hundred, or whether by stirring up other
branches of the Church to send many hundreds — which I
should greatly prefer— or whether by awakening a mis-
sionary enthusiasm all over the Church, and blessing the
whole world through it, I do not know. I hope that He
will answer prayer in all these ways ; but sure I am that
God will do it handsomely.
fitted supplies.
He is giving us encouragement. A letter of enquiry
about the new missionaries and the funds led me, a few
days ago, to ask in our office how the accounts stood. I
found that sufficient money had come in to cover all the
expenses needed by those who had gone out. Some of
them were associates, and their expenses were found, in-
dependently of us. Others had used their own means,
and sufficient had come in for the remainder. But there
was not then sufficient in hand to send out another mis-
sionary. I was struck by that, because I had frequently
asked my dear brother-in-law whether it was not possible
for some of the accepted ones to go out before the summer,
and he told me no — the circumstances of each one required
delay. Thus I saw that God had supplied sufficient, and
a few pounds over, to cover all the outfitting and travelling
expenses of those who could go. It seemed like the five
fingers of the hand, and the five fingers of the glove : they
had so perfectly corresponded. God did not open the
way for any of those twenty accepted candidates to go out
in the spring, and He did not provide the money to send
them.
But this very day, at noon, from another country, a
cheque for ^500 reached me, towards the expenses of the
outgoing hundred. We have also a further promise for
this particular fund of j£2,ooo, t0 be paid on the first of
July. That, of course, will not be nearly sufficient to
complete what is wanted for the hundred who are going
out Nearly ,£4,000 will be needed. But if it were
,£40,000 it would be nothing to the Lord. It would
mean a great deal of blessing to a great many donors, for
we have been earnestly praying that God would greatly
bless each donor to this fund. But, thank God, it is not
,£40,000 that is required, though that would be just as easy
for our Father to supply.
be careful for nothing : prayerful for
everything.
I do want you, dear friends, to realize this principle of
working with God, and of asking Him for everything. If
the work is at the command of God, then we can go to
Him with full confidence, for workers. And when God
gives the workers, then we can go to Him for the means.
We always accept a suitable worker, whether we have funds
or not. Then we very often say, " Now, dear friend, your
first work will be to join with us in praying for the money
to send you to China." As soon as there is money enough,
CHINAS MILLIONS.
93
the time of the year and other circumstances being suit-
able, the friend goes out. We do not wait until there is a
remittance in hand to give him when he gets there. The
Lord will provide means in the meantime, and the money
will be wired to China in time to supply his wants.
Our Father is a very experienced One : He knows
very well that His children wake up with a good appetite
every morning, and He always provides breakfast for
them; and He does not send His children supperless to bed
at night. " Thy bread shall be given thee, and thy water
shall be sure." He sustained three millions of Israelites
in the wilderness for forty years. We do not expect that
He will send three million missionaries to China ; but if
He did, He would have plenty of means to sustain them
all. Let us see that we keep God before our eyes ; that
we walk in His ways, and seek to please and glorify
Him in every thing, great and small. Depend upon it,
God's work done in God's way will never lack God's
supplies.
"trust god's faithfulness.''
When the supplies do not come in, it is time to inquire,
What is wrong? Is there not something wrong some-
where ? It may be only a temporary trial of faith ; but if
there be faith, it will bear trying, and if not it is well that
we should not be deceived. It is very easy with money
in the pocket, and food in the cupboard, to think that you
have faith in GOD. But oh, when our faith fails, the
faithfulness of God does not fail. It is very true, as Miss
Havergal puts it —
" Those who trust Him wholly
" Find Him wholly true."
But my experience proves that to those who do not
trust Him wholly, still He is wholly true. He does not
break His Word, nor cast off His children in their weak-
ness and trial. No ! He is always gracious and tender.
" If we believe not, He abideth faithful ; He cannot deny
Himself."
FAITHFUL CONVERTS.
Let me tell you about some of the converts, men
of faith, full of the Holy Ghost, who are living
unostentatious Christian lives. When I was last in
Gan-k'ing, there was a dear old gentleman there,
who is now a very zealous worker for God, though once
he was a bitter persecutor. His story, a very interesting
one, was given here by Mr. Tomalin last year. This man
was invited to dine with us one day, but he requested to
be excused. We were a little astonished, but it proved that
for months past that dear man had been accustomed to
set apart one day in the week for fasting and prayer, for
the conversion of his aged mother. He is still fasting
and praying for her, for he does not want her to pass
away without having received God's grace. May not I
request you to unite with him in asking God for her con-
version? Some of our missionary sisters visited her
village, and her feelings towards the Gospel appear to be
already changed.
In Shan-si, also, I found native Christians who were
accustomed, not infrequently, alone or together, to spend
time in fasting and prayer, for spiritual blessing for those
around them, and for guidance and help in their work.
They recognise that this fasting, which so many dislike,
which requires faith in GOD, since it often makes one
feel weak and poorly, is really a Divinely appointed
means of grace. Perhaps the greatest hindrance to our
work is our own imagined strength ; and in fasting we
learn what poor, weak creatures we are — dependent on a
meal of meat for the little strength which we are so apt
to lean upon. However the blessing comes, this I know:
we do find that when we have a serious difficulty in the
China Inland Mission, and set apart a day of fasting
(we have had very many during the last twenty- one
years) God always interposes. He goes before us, and
makes crooked places straight ; He goes before us and
makes rough places plain.
And now, dear friends, if this principle of taking every-
thing to, and accepting everything from, God is a true one
—I think the history of the China Inland Mission
proves that it is — ought we not to bring it to bear more
and more in daily life ? The Lord's will is that all His
people should be an unburdened people, fully supplied,
strong, healthy, and happy. Obey in faith the conditions
of the ist Psalm, and you will surely be prosperous in all
that you do — in everything domestic, in every business
transaction, as well as in every spiritual service. It is
the Lord's will that His people should be as the chil-
dren of a king. Shall we not determine to " be careful
for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication
with thanksgiving " bring those things that would become
burdens or anxieties to God in prayer, and live in His
perfect peace ?
DIFFERENT CLASSES OF WORKERS.
Another principle on which we have worked in the
China Inland Mission has not disappointed us. We
have accepted the workers God gave us, though they
have been of very different qualifications. If dear Mr.
Pennefather, when he wanted to build this Conference
Hall, had said, "This hall must be very well buiit
indeed. I will not allow any but architects to work upon
it. We will have only labourers of the highest skill and
culture ; no common man shall turn a sod, or lift a spade-
ful of gravel, or lay down a stone or a trowelful of
mortar " — do you think that in that case we should have
had the Conference Hall to meet in to-night ? I very
much doubt it. Or, if built, do you think that it would have
been as well built as it is ? I very much doubt it. But
in missionary operations we have been confining our-
selves too much to labourers of one class — a very
valuable class. The man who would attempt to build a
hall without an architect would not be very wise. But it
would be quite as great a mistake to say, because architects
are needed, " We will have none but architects." And so
in missionary efforts. Men who have gone through a
valuable curriculum of study are very few, and the num-
ber willing and able to go out is insufficient, if that were
all. But apart from this, there is much work in the
mission field that others can do positively better. God
has adapted each'one to his own work. A bricklayer will
build better than an architect ; and the architect will
superintend, and make plans better, than the bricklayer.
// is. in the combination of " willing, skilful " workers,
suited to every department of service, that the zvork of
God will go on as it ought to do. No church at home
would attempt to carry on its work with ordained
ministers only — would dispense with elders and Sunday-
school teachers, city missionaries, and Bible-women.
What church would insist on having ordained men, who
had passed through a college course with honour, to dis-
tribute tracts, or teach the alphabet in a Sunday-school ?
If that be the case in Great Britain, a little country with
tens of thousands of ministers, is not a variety of workers
much more needed in China, with its 250 millions ; in
India, with her 250 millions ; and in Africa, with her
250 millions?
Now, we in the China Inland Mission, have asked
God for workers of various classes, and He has given
them ; He has given us men of the highest ability. Most
of our English and Scotch universities, and Trinity
College, Dublin, have given us volunteers, and very
thankful we have been for them. But we have others
94
CHINA'S MILLIONS.
who have graduated in different schools. God has pre-
pared them also to do their work very well ; and we are
very thankful for them too. We should be very sorry
indeed to lose such, for most of our work has been done
by the very class that would have been refused by most
missionary societies.
Is there not a lesson to be learnt here? We must not
reject GoD-given men because they have been brought
up in different social circles, and have had different edu-
cational advantages ? I say different advantages, for I
hold it to be sheer infidelity to doubt that Cod gives to
every one of his children, without exception those circum-
stances which are to him tht highest educational advan-
tages that he can improve, and which will best fit him for
his own work. There is a school of sorrow, as Mr. Hsi
reminded us, in Shen-si. There is a school of trial and
persecution ; and he told us that men who have not
graduated in that school do not prove very good helpers
for the churches.
Ah, dear friends, God has His own universities, and
His way of training men ; and if God will only give us
men and women whom He has trained and used in win-
ning souls here — workers who have capacity to acquire
the language and health to bear the climate— we will be
very, very thankful to see great numbers going forth to
China. I hope the day is not far distant when every
man in every mission will welcome such workers. Many
missionaries in China are even now wishing and praying
for fellow-workers of this class.
Part of the hymn, " Call them in, the poor, the wretched,'' was then sung.
Rev. H W. HUNT,
Of the China Inland Mission, Ts'in-chau, Kan-suh.
BEFORE I give you an account of my missionary ex-
periences and labours in the North-west of China
Proper, I would sound a note of praise for these annual
meetings, and a louder note of praise for the prayer-meeting
which is held every Saturday at Pyrland Road. Some-
times in China on Sunday morning I have found a great
blessing come into my own soul. I have thought, " But a
few hours ago thefriends at the Pyrland-road meeting have
been holding me (among others) up at the throne of
grace,'' and that has given me impetus and courage for
the services of the whole Sabbath.
Mr. Hunt then referred to Isaiah lv. 10, II, and gave
a running comment on each clause, and mentioned the
encouragement he had found at times from helpful
thoughts conveyed to him by correspondents.
EXPERIENCES IN HO-NAN.
He then continued. In 18S3 my wife and I were
turned out of a city in Ho-NAN, a province only third in
hostility to the foreigner to the still more hostile Hu-nan
and Kwang-si. We subsequently went to Ts'in-chau in
Kan-suh, and have since laboured there.
We have found great blessing in not limiting the Holy
One of Israel in our part of China. Far away there to
the north-west, 1,500 miles from the nearest treaty port,
is our station. The country is mountainous, the climate
bracing, and the people more simple than polite. They
have lost much of their faith in the idols on account of
the great famine and rebellion ; and now we may say
that they are more permeated by superstition than by
religion. You may like to hear
HOW WE LABOURED IN KAN-SUH.
When I went far from home I went alone, and visited
towns, where I preached in the markets. This method of
work in China is very satisfactory, because people came
to those markets from long distances — ten, twenty, and
sometimes even thirty miles — to buy and sell. On those
occasions, sometimes the books I have spread out before
mc, and the preaching have proved more interesting to
some of the people than the buying and selling of their
goods.
In another way I have been able to labour, in concert
with my dear wife. We have taken a portable organ
into the villages within a radius of twenty miles of the
city, settled ourselves down jn some street or field, and
begun with a hymn. Many men, women, and children
would collect, to whom we would preach.
Besides this, my wife has had a class for women in the
city, and I myself have been able to do something in
dispensing medicine, and in minor surgery I have been
able to alleviate a great amount of bodily suffering. We
have also had the usual services on week-days and on
Sunday. By these means, blessed be God, we have
reaped some fruit.
ANSWERS TO PRAYER.
Towards the end of 1885 the Lord laid it on my
heart to ask our fellow-labourers there, and people also
in other parts of the field, and many far off in Europe, to
join us in the prayer that during the year 1886 we might
be successful in winning ten souls for our Lord.
We were joined in that prayer by the native church in
Han-chung, 200 miles farther to the south-east After
ten months of that year had elapsed, I began to question
some of the natives at the Sunday morning service, who
had put down their names as
PROBATIONERS or inquirers.
We found that not only the four or five that we knew of,
but that the full number — ten — had made up their minds
to be baptised. Three of them were members in my
wife's class for heathen women, and three of them were
scholars of the Sunday-school that I had carried on for
about eighteen months. And besides these, the Lord
gave an "exceeding abundantly" in the shape of three
or four more interested ones, who put down their names
there and then, as candidates to be received later. With
great joy we baptised the ten.
WARM-HEARTED CONVERTS.
To give you an idea of the people we received into
the church up there, I will tell you of one. A woman
coming out of the water was asked, " Are you cold ? '
"Cold?" she said ; "how can I be cold, with my heart
on fire like this?" That sounds more like a Wesleyan
Methodist, does it not ? than a newly-converted Chinese
woman ; but that is her character. She is a bright,
happy Christian.
I had a few other things to tell you, but my time has
gone.
CHINAS MILLIONS.
95
The Rev. W. COOPER,
Of the China Inland Mission, Gan-k'ing, Gan-hwuy.
I AM here to-night to bear my testimony to the faith-
fulness of God. I am very thankful to have been to
China, and to have had my faith strengthened through
contact with our other workers there in this blessed work.
It has been my privilege to labour in the province of
Gan-hwuy. Those who were there before me found the
work there hard and uphill: praise God, the words of
our Master have been fulfilled: "Other men have
laboured, and ye have entered into their labours."
TOIL— REWARD.
During the first years of my life in that province we
had very difficult work. Oh, how our hearts were aching
for the conversion of souls there ! And the work in the
city of Gan-k'ing, the provincial capital, seemed as if
nothing would come of it. We preached the Word, and
we preached again. Every day we preached the Gospel.
I believe that the Gospel was proclaimed in every street of
that city. Gospels and tracts were circulated all over
the city, and in every shop and house. This continued
day by day for years, and we saw no practical outcome —
no definite work upon the souls of the people. But,
blessed be God, He has answered prayer, and to-day
there is a Christian church in that city, and a number of
Christian inquirers, inquiring the way to Zion, and, we
trust, with their faces turned thitherward.
Mr. Taylor has referred to one of the converts in that
city. I will not take up your time to-night by giving de-
tails of his conversion. Those who wish to read it can
find it in the volume of China's Millions for 1886. It
was given at the annual meeting last year by Mr. Tomalin.
A man of god.
I can fully corroborate the statement he made re-
garding that dear brother. He has professed to have
received much blessing from contact with me, but I am
sure that I have received much blessing from contact
with him. I have travelled with him for weeks ; I have
eaten at the same table, and slept in the same bed, and I
have watched his life from morning till night, week in
and week out, and I have not met with another man who
seeks to live so near to God, and do so much for the con-
version of souls as that dear old man in Gan-k'ing. I do
bless God on every remembrance of him. I bless God
for such men as this. It is worth going to China to meet
with them. I have been to his home, and he is praying
for that dear mother of his. Will you join with him in
his prayer, and ask God to save his mother, and sister,
and every one of his family. If he is fasting and praying
every week for that conversion, surely it will be given.
Six years ago, when I went to that province first, there
was only one station where European missionaries were
residing. Now we have five stations with European
missionaries, and five out-stations in connection with
this work. Last year fifty-four converts were baptised,
a larger number than in any previous year, for the work
progresses ; and I do trust that there will be 200 this
year. We are asking God to give us a great blessing,
and He has opened up many doors of usefulness for us.
When I was leaving for home, the Christian church
there asked if I could bring a message to the Christians
of England and Scotland, and I said that I would do so
gladly. It is written on these scrolls in letters of gold.
May God write this message on our hearts. On this side
we have, " We entreat you to come over to help us."
That old Macedonian cry went first from Europe to
Asia, and the Apostle Paul took it as a message from
God, and went over and preached to them. How much
we have to praise God for that ! It comes back to-night
to this meeting, from Asia to Europe, as a message from
far-off China to you ; China is now stretching out her
hands to us. Shall we not, like Paul, hear in it the message
of God?
On the other scroll we have the words, "Brethren, pray
jor us," and I wish to emphasize that message to-night.
I do ask the prayers of God's people here ; not only for
the missionaries, but also for our dear native Christian
brethren. I wish that we had time to speak of some of
the trials and persecutions which they have to endure for
the cause of Christ. It might cause us to blush to think
that we suffer so little for Him. They have to endure
being cast out by their friends and relatives. They have
to endure much petty persecution, which is very trying to
the natural man ; and they have to endure very sore
trials which we know nothing of in these days. Praise
God, many of them stand the fire, and come forth puri-
fied and bright.
PERSECUTION AND RELAPSE.
I will tell you of one case which came under my own
observation — the case of a family who put away their
idols and became inquirers at our class, in one of the
villages in the Lai-gan district. This family went to the
services. Distress came upon them ; their friends perse-
cuted them, and the bread-winner of the family was
taken very ill. The husband's friends and relatives came
and said to the wife, " You are just murdering your
husband ; you have put away those idols, and now
you see what is coming upon you as the result.
The idols are taking vengeance upon you, and you
are just killing your husband. Be a sensible woman ;
cast away this foreign religion, and come back to the
Buddhist religion, and you will perhaps save your hus-
band's life. If you do not do it, and your husband
dies, we will hold you responsible for his death ! " Now
that poor woman could not read the Bible, and she had
no Christian missionary there to instruct her. There
were few native Christians in that place, and they had
only heard the Gospel about a year or two before. Well,
the poor woman became very anxious about her husband ;
she brought the idols back again, had them reinstated in
her house and worshipped them, and she called a Budd-
hist priest to come and chant prayers with her. But her
husband died. She had a Buddhist funeral. The
Christians thought that she had given up Christianity
altogether ; she had ceased to come among them, and
they cast her off.
RESTORATION.
About eighteen months after that I was in that district-,
and we had had a very happy day, and baptised twelve
converts. One of the native Christians passing her house,
she said, " Come in " (he knew the woman). She said,
" I hear that there has been a baptism again." He said,
" Yes, twelve have just been baptised." She said, " Oh,
I wish that I had known : I should have liked to confess
Christ too." He said, " You confess Christ ! Why
you know what you did : you went back to idolatry again.
How can you talk like that ? You cannot mock God."
She said, " Ah ! I do not believe in these idols now. I
suffered much through my idolatry, and I wish to turn to
9 6
CHINAS MILLIONS.
the living God at any cost." He had some further con-
versation with her. He saw in her house some idolatrous
scrolls. He said, " How can you mock God, and keep
those things in your house?" She said, " I am willing
to destroy them."
I was asked to go and see her. I went, with about
five native Christians, to her house next morning, and I
had some conversation with her. She said she was
quite prepared to give up all these idols for the sake of
Christ. After we had prayer with her, she took them
all down, put them outside her front door, and set fire to
the whole lot of them. There they were, blazing away,
the ancestral tablet of her husband as well, and while
they were burning we began singing —
" Praise God, from whom all blessings flow ;
" Praise Him, all creatures here below."
That woman was received into the Church five months
afterwards by baptism, and has now passed away to
glory.
BLESSING ON A BOOK.
One more case of a man in that same district. When
he heard the Gospel, he went thirty miles to find out
some Christians who would instruct him more fully. He
went to their house and said, " Is there any one here
that can tell me about this Jesus-religion — this Jesus-
doctrine ?" They said, "Yes ; come in : " and he went
in. He said, " I have come from a place thirty miles dis-
tant because I have received a Book which tells me that
my idols are false and useless — not only useless, but ab-
solutely sinful ; and I want to know more about this."
And these dear friends took him in. They had never
seen him before. They kept him for a whole week in
their house, teaching and instructing him, and the man
became thoroughly changed. He determined to be a
follower of Christ. He said, " I will go home now, and
be a follower of this Saviour, and have done with
idolatry." He bought a copy of the New Testament and
a hymn-book, and went back to his house.
trouble in consequence.
The first thing he did there was to destroy his idols
and his idolatrous scroll, with the representation of the
three principal deities of China on it. He tore this scroll
down, and took away the candlesticks and all the in-
cense vases, and his ancestral tablet he split to pieces,
and cast on one side. He became a follower of the
Lord Jesus Christ. I happened to be there shortly
afterwards, and I found this idol amongst some rubbish,
and I have brought it here to-night, and show it to you
as a trophy. This is one of the things which were
worshipped by that man for years. He cast it away,
and now he is worshipping the living and true God.
It may seem to you a little thing to destroy a piece of
wood and paper like this, but it meant a good deal to
that man. He had not done it long before in came one
of his little nephews, and he saw the bare place on the
wall. He said, " Uncle, where are your idols gone?"
The man replied, " I have destroyed them. They are all
false, and of no use whatever." The little boy became
frightened, and ran away to his home, and said, " Uncle
has gone mad. He has destroyed his idols ! " Down
came the father of the boy to know what was the mean-
ing of this, and he said, " What is the matter with you
now ? Where are your idols, and where is your tablet ? "
" Oh, they are of no use. I have destroyed them for
ever. Jesus is my Saviour, and I mean to follow Him."
Well, I cannot tell you all that that man had to endure.
They beat him most unmercifully, and almost killed him.
They threatened to take from him his house and land,
and they said, " If you do not give up this Jesus we will
kill you." What did he say ? " You can take my house,
you can take my land, you can take my life, if you will ;
but I will never give up Jesus ! I will never give up
Jesus ! " Oh, we have such a glorious Saviour to trust
in ! I shouted " Hallelujah 1 " I could not help it.
baptised with ten others.
Well, I baptised that dear man. There were ten others
in the village. My heartwas glad. They were the first-
fruits for Christ in the village. A Christian baptism had
never been seen there before, and the people wondered
when they saw these people confessing Christ, and
heard them tell their reasons.
I could tell you of scores of others. Blessed be God
for what we have seen. We come to you with the sound
of glad tidings, and I do trust that it may lead you to
pray for these brethren. Take them to your hearts.
God hath made of one name all Christians under heaven.
We are brethren in Christ Jesus. Take these dear
converts to your hearts ; pray for them intelligently ;
ask God to sustain them in all their sorrows and perse-
cutions, and ask Him to give them grace not only to bear
the persecution, but to rejoice that they are counted
worthy to suffer for His name.
JOY IN TRIAL.
Last year, at the examination at Gan-k'ing, a number
of the literati (the scholars) came to our place to find one
of the converts, and they said, " We have come to the
conclusion that if you do not give up this religion, and
come out to the examinations, you will be deprived of
your degree." He has a literary degree corresponding to
our B.A. He just laughed with joy. He said, " I have got
something far better than that now. You can take my
button if you like ; my name is written in heaven. I am
a child of God. ' To me to live is Christ.' " I have
heard that man make that statement in the presence of
scholars, in the presence of mandarins, and in the
presence of the most humble and lowly : " To me to
live is Christ ; there is nothing worth living for but
Christ.' 1
Rev. THOMAS CHAMPNESS.
I CAME here to-night for a blessing, and I have got it.
I am personally indebted to the China Inland Mis-
sion. The Lord put it into my heart, some three years
ago, to start a lay mission in this country. I took some
of the China Inland Mission ideas as my foundation,
and the Lord has very much blessed me. I praise His
name ! and thank the dear friends who began this work
and have carried it on so bravely.
Mr. Hudson Taylor has
which I needed. I am not
married a woman who has
manage between us. It is
get the dividend. At times
sleep because the money i
running in. Sometimes I
tell her how troubled I am,
said to-night the very things
a man of great faith. I have
a great deal of faith, so we
a joint-stock company, and I
my heart sinks, and I cannot
s running away and none is
wake my wife at night and
She tells me to go to sleep,
CHINAS MILLIONS.
97
and the Lord will take care of things. I am much
cheered to find how God helps in this China work, and I
shall go home all the stronger in God's service for
having been here.
God give this Mission and all other missions the
right kind of men ! We are told by the Lord
Jesus Christ Himself to pray for labourers— labour-
ers, not merely parsons, you know. I mean to stand
by my own order, and to be myself as good a par-
son as I can, but I do believe that this world
is to be saved by men, some of whom cannot spell.
I have a man working with me, a big fellow he is, a man
that can walk a good many miles and eat a good dinner,
and preach so that folks do not go to sleep. I put him
to school for three months to teach him to spell. I might
just as well have saved my money. He cannot spell, but
he can talk, and God blesses him when he talks, and
men and women are brought to Jesus Christ.
" knowing how."
It is time that those old-fashioned ideas died out. I
have heard tell of a Yankee carpenter who made out a
bill for making a door. He charged so much for lumber,
and so much for time, and so much for nails, and half a
dollar for " knowing how." Now that is what we want.
If the fellow knows how, we must give him the half
dollar. We have people writing to us offering themselves
for the work, who have failed in everything else, and
think that the Lord ought to make preachers of them !
People of that sort had better not waste a stamp in
writing to me. We want men that can get their living
anywhere. We want men of grit and go, and that know
how to pray and trust God, and carry out His wishes.
Mere sermons will not save this world. I firmly believe
that the days of the old "three-decker" sermon have
gone : I suffered many things from it when I was a lad.
I often wish that all preachers had to serve twelve
months' apprenticeship in the open air, because when a
man preaches in the open air he has to hold the people.
I should like every man before he is ordained to show
that he could hold the people at a street corner ! Your
old-fashioned sermon — it belongs to the flint and steel
and tinder era. It does not strike the fire quickly enough
— we want something better than that. Pray that God will
raise up in this country, in every country, and especially
in connection with this China Inland Mission, men
who are fit for their work, and men who will stand by the
truth as it is in Jesus Christ, and be ready to die rather
than show the white feather.
POWER OF THE HOLY GHOST.
We believe in the Holy Ghost. We must have the
Holy Ghost if we mean to win the day. Those men
and women in the early days of the Church prayed in
Jerusalem for the Holy Ghost, and they got what they
prayed for. This is what we want ; nothing else will do
in its place. Not men of learning. I do not despise
learning ; but the benefit of education depends upon
whether a man has got anything in him or not. How-
ever keen the academical knife is, it can only sharpen a
stick if the lead is not there. We want men that have
got the lead, for though they may be blunt, there is some-
thing in them that will make a mark— and we do not
object to its being a very broad mark which the devil
cannot rub out.
The Church of Christ has surely suffered from men
who had not got the thing in them. We want men and
women that '"know how." With the love of God shed
abroad in their hearts, and filled with the SPIRIT of GOD
they are equal to anything.
MOUNTAINS AND CHAFF.
Do not be discouraged because of difficulties. When
I am in difficulty I go to my Bible, and it is wonderful
how the Word of God comes home to a man when he is
hard set, and how it lifts up his heart. The other day I
was in trouble about my own work. I saw that promise
about the mountains which God was going to thresh.
Now if there is a real thing in this world, it is a mountain.
There it is : a solid fact ! Many of our difficulties are
just like those mountains ; but the Almighty God says
that He will thresh them, and make them like chaff. Can
language be stronger ? Can two things be more unlike
one another than mountains and chaff? Many on this
platform have lived alongside these mountains : there is
a time coming when it will not be possible to find them,
for the wind will drive them away. Then there will be
no opposition to the truth.
The mountains are to be threshed ; and what with ?
A little worm ! The devil comes to me and says, " You
are a weak thing." I say, " Yes, I am : I own it. I am
a poor, weak thing, but I am as good as a worm ! '' If
there is a poor little weak, limp thing in this world, it is a
worm, and God says, " See, that is what you are like."
Satan says, " Talk about GOD using a sinful man like
you ! " I say, " Yes, my home is a dunghill, but He has
brought me out of it." The worm that used to live in
that dunghill is now in the hand of Jehovah, and He
says, " I will make it a sharp threshing instrument."
Sir, He can do it ! The God that made this beautiful
world, and had not one atom of matter to begin with —
He who created all things out of nothing — can thresh
mountains with an instrument which He can make out of
a worm !
god's supply.
Oh yes ; let us have hope in God, let us believe our
Bible. We belong to this manna-giving God. Our God
is continually showing Himself in great things and little
things to be the God of providence. I have forty workers,
who, like the China Inland Mission men, have no guarantee.
It is one of the terms of the agreement, that when there is
not anything for them to eat, they will have to go back to
their trades and earn money again. One of these poor
men wrote to me the other day, and said, " I am visiting
the shepherds on the plains of Wiltshire. I have walked
fourteen miles to-day. These shepherds live a long way
apart. I find it very nice to visit them in their homes,
but I wish that instead of having to walk I had a tricycle.
I could work one if I had it." That was last Friday
afternoon. On the Saturday afternoon I got a post-card
from a gentleman in Stockport, who said, " I have a
tricycle which I very seldom use. If you have a man who
can use one, I will send it to any part of England carriage
paid." Was not that like the God of the manna?
And this same God can do any great thing as well as
any little thing. We must have faith in Him that He
will give us the men. He has the men. Why should not
He give us some like Saul of Tarsus ? Why should not
He convert Bradlaugh himself? Do have faith in God.
No matter how bad a man is, the power of the Holy
Ghost can take hold of him in answer to your prayer
and mine. In this day of blasphemy and rebuke we
should ask God to do some great thing. We should
expect God to come out of His place and distinguish
Himself. Let us so believe in this manna-giving God.
Let us pray to Him that He will pour out His Spirit and
give us conversions. This is what we want most of all.
Friends, I love my God with all my heart, and I have
93
CHINA'S MILLIONS.
served faithfully some days and some days unfaithfully.
I have suffered many things for JESUS CHRIST far away
from my father's house. I buried all my comrades once.
I have had sorrow upon sorrow, but would go through it
all again if the Lord wanted me. So truly sweet is
His service, so really blessed his work, that I can under-
stand Paul saying that none of these things moved
him.
I do hope that one result of this meeting will be that
some here will say, " I will give myself now to God as
never before, and from to-day carry out God's will and
purpose in the earth."
REGINALD RADCLIFFE, Esq.
r "THE brother who has just sat down has been telling us
_L the very truths of God. Mr. Champness belongs to
the Wesleyan Methodists. He could tell you if he had time,
for I asked him the question and he answered it, that the
Wesleyan Methodist body are not going on now conquer-
ing and to conquer in England as they did in olden
times. And the very same thing is true of the other
major denominations in England.
[Then, referring to the serious fact that the increase of
the population of England is at a more rapid rate than the
growth of the churches, so that there are fewer communi-
cants per thousand of the whole population each year than
there were the year before, Mr. Radcliffe continued] :
What is the Church of England effecting in proportion to
the number of its clergy and of its bishops ? and what the
greater Nonconformist bodies in proportion to the number
of their ministers? In all these bodies what an amount
of labour there is, and what a profusion of money is
poured out for the erection of church buildings and other
religious objects in this country. I have in my possession
authentic records of the Church of England, of the
Wesleyan, of the Baptist, and of the Congregationalist
bodies. All of them have in England a profusion of
cultured men who have passed through the curriculum
of the colleges, a profusion of laymen also — as city
missionaries, Sunday-school teachers, and lady workers.
But what are the results ?
My dear friends, the Church Missionary Society, the
Wesleyan Missionary Society, and the Baptist Missionary
Society, when they ask us at a public meeting like this to
consider the heathen, well know that this is the way to
improve the state of England, so far as each of their
denominations is concerned. One and all of them know
that it is as Dr. Duff prophesied forty years ago it would
be. [To those who worked disproportionately at home to
the neglect of the heathen, and in disobedience to the
Divine commission] his one word was, " Ichabod ! " Do
we plead for China only ? I accompanied beloved Mr.
H udson Taylor and Mr. George Clarke through Scotland
a few weeks ago, and what did Mr. Hudson Taylor say
when he stood up in Glasgow, Edinburgh, Aberdeen,
Inve mess? He did not plead for the China Inland
Mission. He began pleading for Europe. He pleaded
for Africa. He pleaded for India. He urged Christ's
great command, " Go ye into all the world." The
Lord would take care of the China Inland Mission.
And if, dear Mr. Chairman and Air. Champness, you
could only have the Methodists, and Church people, and
Independents, and Baptists, of this country aroused, and
filled with the Holy Ghost, we should soon think of the
heathen ; and we could not bless the heathen if we tried,
without the rushing water coming down upon England.
We had a sweet word to-day from a worker well-known
at Mildmay, Miss Campbell. She is throwing aside all
her work in England where she is so useful, and going
out to China with the China Inland Mission. And
another lady who also spoke here is going out. Will that
create barrenness in Mildmay, or Manchester, or in
England, in the sphere where she might have worked ? It
will cause a blessing. The place that she leaves will be
filled ; there will be other sisters raised up, perhaps five
or ten, to take her place when she is taken away. " There
is that scattereth and yet increaseth, and there is that
withholdeth more than is meet, and it tendeth to poverty."
If you trace the history of the Church you will find that
churches, founded by the apostles on most scriptural prin-
ciples, waned and waned as they neglected their commis-
sion, and have died out altogether. Take, for instance,
the churches of Syria, of Greece, of North Africa. Is
there anything in British blood and in the soil of Britain
that will make Christianity flourish in England in disobe-
dience to Christ's plainest commands? — commands as
plain as " Thou shalt not steal ; Thou shalt not commit
adultery," viz. — " Go into all the world, and preach the
Gospel to every creature." If we set them at nought, the
word of Dr. Duff, " Ichabod," will become true, as will
the word of Haggai [i. 6], " He that earneth wages, earn-
eth wages to put it into a bag with holes ;" or, as we
have it in the margin of our Bibles [v. 8], " I did blow it
away."
You in Mildmay have given your hospitality to the
China Inland Mission. May this anniversary bring
blessing to Mildmay, to London, to Britain, to Africa, to
our deserted fellow subjects, the 250 millions of India.
Let us all with one consent respond, as Jonathan's
armour-bearer did, when he said, " Let us go up," and
they went up — without means, resting on the living God,
and routed that enormous foe. And why ? Because it is
written, "The Lord fought for Israel that day, and there
was great discomfiture, and a mighty gathering up of
spoil." So may it be after this meeting.
Prayer was then offered by Mr. Clarke, of Natal.
Mr. ARTHUR EASON,
O/ the China Inland Mission, Yun-nan.
I THINK that this is the first time that Yun-nan has
been represented by a worker from China upon this
platform. It is a province covering an area of i22,oco
square miles, and perhaps five millions of souls. We have
half a million of Chinese living in the towns, and perhaps
half a million scattered in the plains and valleys. The
remainder of the five millions are entirely untouched at
present.
They have many languages. There are two great tribes,
the Lo-lo and the Miao tsi, and there are other tribes,
akin to the Shans and Kah-chens, or hillmen of Burmah.
All these are as yet practically untouched. We have to
learn their languages, and to reduce them to writing.
Within a radius of twenty miles around the city where
we were stationed — Yun-nan Fu, the capital of the pro-
vince—we have five tribes speaking five different tongues.
I have tried to ascertain whether there is any affinity
between their languages ; but, as far as I have heard, it
does not seem that there is much ; and the tribes keep
quite distinct. You will find a village in the plain on
which the city stands where they have one particular
dialect or language, and a mile or so off you have another
CHINA'S MILLIONS.
99
village with quite another language. Chinese is not a
sufficient medium. Many of them do not know it, though
most of the men are able to speak just sufficient for com-
mercial transactions. I appeal for Yun-nan. Ask the
LORD to thrust labourers forth for special work amongst
the aborigines. It will be difficult, because the suspicion
of the Chinese will be raised.
All the five years that we were resident in Yun-nan Fu
<we had constant rumours and disquieting reports— at one
time in consequence of the action of the French in
Tonquin, and afterwards through the British annexation
of Upper Burmah. At the first the people understood pretty
well that we were not French, nor Romanists ; afterwards,
when the British entered Upper Burmah our turn came ;
but the LORD kept us in safety. Sometimes our servants
have been so scared that they have packed up their
bedding and clothes, and placed them in the garden, with
a table near a back wall, that they might vault over in
case of a riot ; so you may understand something of the
difficulties in the interior.
It is just five years since the Lord enabled us to rent
premises in Yun-nan Fu, and nearly six years since Mr.
Clarke (with his first wife, who afterwards died there)
entered the city of Ta-li Fu. I was counting up last night
that out of the ninety-nine cities in the province we have
now visited something like seventy-nine. Besides these,
we have visited numbers of market towns, particularly in
the neighbourhood of the capital, where there were ten or
twelve thousand people present. We have distributed
large numbers of books, tracts, and Gospels, and have
preached the Word of God to thousands. When Mr.
Clarke was with us we had a series of services lasting
consecutively ninety days, and the LORD was present
with us. Although we did not see any actual result, yet
we had constant convictions in the minds of the heaters,
and we had cases of inquirers.
On one occasion, about the third day of these services,
there were two men in the front of the meeting, in a room
holding about one hundred people. These men were
friends, and one said to the other, " I must get home, I
am going ;" but directly he uttered the words he sank
back again in his seat, as though held. He nudged his
friend a few moments afterwards, and said, " Let us be
going.'' They seemed held there by the power of God in
the meeting. Mr. Clarke said to me afterwards, "In all
my experience in China" (and he had been in the country
four or five years longer than myself) " I was never pre-
sent at meetings where there was such power and interest
shown."
The LORD thoroughly roused the people. We have
laid the foundation. GOD grant that there may be others
to follow, and, whoever the workmen may be, may we
speedily see a spiritual temple raised to the Lord.
The Doxology was then sung, and the Rev. Mr. Calvert, of Fiji, concluded with the benediction.
LETTER FROM W. T. BERO-ER, ESQ.
Dated, Villa Talbot, Cannes, Alpes Afarilirnes, May 26th, 1887.
DEAR FRIENDS,— At this very hour, in which so
many at Mildmay are rejoicing in the good work
GOD has accomplished through the instrumentality of the
China Inland Mission, I am sharing your joy, in
spirit, in the Alpes Maritimes of France. Not alone ! for
the Lord of the harvest — the King — is with me, and my
heart burns by reason of His presence and company.
Exactly twenty-one years to-day (a day never to be for-
gotten) it was my privilege to accompany, as far as
Gravesend, in the good ship Lammermuir, dear Mr. and
Mrs. Taylor, their family, and some fourteen Christian
brethren and sisters on their way to China — a feeble band,
if you will, but of that small seed-corn hath not God
caused to grow up a goodly tree ? May all praise and
glory be ascribed to Him.
Those who were at the birth or installation of the mis-
sion, or were connected with it during the early years of
its existence, can more fully appreciate the loving tender-
ness of our Heavenly Father toward us and the enter-
prise, inexperienced as then we all were.
Whilst w& rejoice to fall down in adoration before the
Author of all good, are we not constrained by His love
and faithfulness to lift up our heads and cry aloud, " Glory
to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will
toward men " ?
Must we not go forward? If encouragement can justify
our doing so, we shall rise as one man and give ourselves
to the work. Has not God been training us, and all in-
terested in this work, so that greater things — far greater
things — may yet be accomplished ? Has He not from
the beginning issued the word, " Be fruitful and mul-
tiply," and declared "that all the earth shall be filled
with His glory"?
Can we stay the ship whilst in full sail, making such
headway towards the goal? Impossible! we scout the
thought. Do we fear the winds and the waves ? O thou
of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt ? That Peter
was afterwards ashamed, and regretted his lack of confi-
dence in JESUS, we may be assured.
After the LORD had sent forth other seventy, He added,
" The harvest is plenteous, but the labourers are few ;
pray ye therefore the LORD of the harvest that He send
forth labourers into His harvest." A few words upon this
remarkable statement.
We are commanded to pray to the Lord of the harvest,
that He will send forth labourers into His harvest. What
Divine wisdom is here ! how foolish and wrong on our
part if we neglect to do so, or if we practically take the
work out of His hands !
The Lord of the harvest will find and send forth His
labourers. He will not choose unfit instruments ; they
may be youthful and ruddy as David, but they certainly
will be men and women of faith — faith in the God of the
armies of Israel. I do not mean simply Christians, but
those who have had somewhat to do with the Lion and
the Bear and their God. They will see no danger, nor
fear any evil ; they will go to the work rejoicing that they
are accounted worthy to do battle for their Lord and
King.
Jesus did not bid His disciples pray that the labourers
should be provided for. He knew well that the Lord of
the harvest would see to this, for the labourer is worthy
of his hire. Happy those who realise that it is the Lord
of the harvest who hires and thrusts them forth into the
field. They know the meaning of " The LORD will
provide ! "
Whilst it is our privilege as workers together with
God, both in seeking, sending forth, and providing for
the labourers, may we never take the responsibility out of
our Father's hands, or attempt to bear the burden
ourselves ; it would surely be too heavy for us.
If the work is not really of God, then let it fall ! and
if we are not called of Him to help it forward, let us
relax our hands ; but if we are satisfied the work is His,
IOO
CHINAS MILLIONS.
it, then may we
" to the Lord " !
God be for and with
and that we are called to share in
pursue it with all our might, and
Who can doubt the issue? If
us, who can be against us ?
After fifty-three years of knowing- and serving the
Lord, I feel more than ever that it is the dwelling in the
secret place of the Most High, the being upon our
faces beholding the glory and beauty of the Lord, and
inquiring in His temple, that is the source of all our
blessing and capacity for fulfilling His service. Let us
shun the unbelief of Israel, whose spirit was not stead-
fast with God, who tempted Him, saying, Ca?i God
furnish' a table in the wilderness? . . . Can He give
bread also? limiting the Holy One of Israel; rather
may we lay hold of that precious word, " Son, thou art
always with me, all that I have is thine" ! All is at
thy disposition. You have but to ask, and I will give
thee all thou canst profitably employ, and when thou
hast utilised the five talents I will give thee five other
talents — and so on. And is not this true, dear friends,
of all God's riches in glory ? Are they not all at our
disposition ? Do we lack faith, love, meekness, patience,
holiness ? Ask, and ye shall receive ! And as we grow
from day to day into the image of our Lord, we will
continue asking and receiving until we shall see Him as
He is, when we shall be altogether like Him.
The rivers of living water which are to flow out of the
believer come from the throne of God, and of the Lamb,
the risen Saviour, the Lord of Life ! There must be
the inflowing before the outflowing, and the measure
of the outflowing will depend upon the measure of the
inflowing. What a mystery ! This spake Jesus of the
Spirit 1 but like the rivers of earth which come from the
clouds, and flow into the mighty ocean, so will the rivers
of the water of life (the Spirit) flow back to Him from
whom they proceed, to His eternal glory !
It was my privilege to have the management of the
home department of the Mission during the first seven
years of its existence, when its friends were comparatively
few ; when many thought it lacked good odour ; when
storms and tempests were many and severe ; but we con-
tinue through God's goodness unto this day.
From the first we had a deep conviction that the work
was of the Lord, and constantly reminded Him of it,
especially in our daily meeting for prayer. When funds
were getting low, God was supplicated to send in what
was required, and to His praise we can affirm, at no
time had we less than ,£19 in hand. We avoided debt
upon principle ; we never asked any one for money ; not
that I objected to lay the need before Christian friends,
that they might share in the privilege of supporting a
work for the Lord (if it were in their heart to do so),
but because we had no necessity.
Through failing health I was obliged to relinquish the
home management, then assuming dimensions calling for
an office in London, a staff of clerks, etc., etc. But my
sympathy and co-operation have in no wise relaxed, and
its prosperity lies very near my heart.
In conclusion, dear friends, let us commend this mission,
every worker connected with it, and ourselves to the keep-
ing of our gracious God and Father, who will not fail nor
forsake us. And may we continually seek and expect
the outflowing of the Spirit. Thus shall we find the doing
the will of God, and seeking in all things and at all
times to please Him, to be our meat and drink.
Above all, may we lie low, and not say in our hearts,
as Israel of old, " My power, and the might of mine
hand hath gotten me this wealth." See Deut. viii. 13-18.
MR. JOHN OHALLIOB.
AT our annual meetings prayer was offered for our beloved brother and valued treasurer, Mr.
Jno. Challice, then seriously ill. We hoped that he might have been raised up again, but such
was not the will of God, and on June 10th he peacefully fell asleep in Jesus.
He was an old and tried friend, a sympathiser and helper before the Mission was fully
inaugurated, and his interest only deepened as time went on. When in 1872, through failure of
health, Mr. Berger had to retire from the management of the home-work, Mr. Challice was one of the
first to suggest the need of additional help, and to render it himself as a member of the Council then
formed.
The value to the Mission of his unremitting services as treasurer also has been very great : to
him the office was no sinecure ; most scrupulously and conscientiously he examined the accounts,
from week to week making a private audit of every page. Nor was his aid confined to time and
counsel, for many and frequent were his gifts to the work he loved.
His remains were interred in the family grave, Sudbury, Suffolk, on June 15th. The funeral
was attended by Mr. Broomhall and Mr. Fishe, as representatives of the Council, and by Mrs.
Hudson Taylor, in the absence of her husband. We would ask for his widow and children the
prayers of our readers, that they may be sustained and comforted in their affliction.
MRS. DOUTHWAITB.
ON the evening of June 27th we had the pleasure of welcoming home Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Clarke
from China ; but our joy was saddened, and we were greatly shocked by the tidings, which they
were the first to bring us, of the removal of our beloved sister and friend, Mrs. Douthwaite. There
has been much sympathy felt, and prayer offered for the bereaved husband and beloved parents. We
subjoin an extract from Dr. Douthwaite's letter, and have received a brief sketch of her life, taken from
the funeral sermon preached by the Rev. J. L. Nevius, D.D,, of Che-foo, which we hope to give in our
next number.
CHINA'S MILLIONS.
101
(fetmtt farm a STeiter ixmxt $)r. g0wt|}txmitc.
CHEFOO, May iyd, 1887. — Five weeks ago my be-
loved wife led the singing in Union Chapel, as
was her wont eveiy Sunday morning. In the afternoon
she preached as usual to her congregation of women
in her day-school at Tung-chwang, a village twenty
minutes' walk from here. Afterwards she led the sing-
ing, and played the organ at our children's service, and
thus ended her last day of active service for Christ. In
the evening she complained of feeling chilly, but as the
weather was rather cold, we thought nothing of it. The
following morning she complained of severe headache.
I soon discovered that she had fever, and by the even-
ing of the second day the temperature had risen to 105° —
I had to deal with a violent case of typho-malarial fever.
On the thirteenth day the temperature fell to normal,
and my heart was gladdened by signs of convalescence.
My joy was short-lived, however, for at 4 a.m. the fol-
lowing morning the temperature suddenly shot up to
104 , and soon symptoms of double pneumonia set in.
From that time I gave up hope, yet believed it possible
that God would give her back to me in answer to the
many fervent prayers of His people here. But such was
not His will, and on the morning of the 9th inst. she
joined the throng of the redeemed in heaven.
You, who have passed through the same trial, will be
able to realise somewhat the utter desolation of my
heart. In spite of the glorious assurance that my loved
one is now with her Saviour, and therefore enjoying
unutterable bliss ; in spite of the loving sympathy of my
dear friends here, the awful fact remains as a heavy
burden on my mind day and night, that she, who for
twelve happy years has been the loving sharer of all my
joys and sorrows, has gone from this earth for ever. I
do not repine, for I know it is the Lord's doing, and He
can make no mistake. I can but bow in submission to
His will, and long for the time — not far off— when we
shall be again united — but with a purer, holier affection,
and a much greater capacity for loving than we have
known on earth, to be engaged in still higher services,
if possible, than that which has been our delight here.
I cannot speak too highly of the loving attention
bestowed on my dear wife by Miss Whitchurch, Miss E.
Taylor, and Mrs. Rendall, who nursed her day and night
during the three weeks of her suffering. I was very
thankful also to have the assistance of Drs. Hunter and
Cameron, for in my anxiety I could not rely upon my
own judgment.
I cannot write more now. I shall continue my work
as before, but with greater earnestness, so long as GOD
gives me strength for it.
Ci&ingg farm % ^wbma af i^att-si.
FROM MR. STANLEY P. SMITH.
FASTING AND PRAYER FOR " THE HUNDRED."
January 26th, Ping-yang Fu. — To-morrow we are to
have a united day of fasting and prayer. The China
Inland Mission are going to ask the Lord for 100
Missionaries this year. If given, it means 100 sappers
working at the Devil's kingdom in two years' time. Cry
out and shout, dear friends, for great is the Holy One
in the midst of us ! The ladies from Hoh-chau are down
here, and we are all stopping with Mr. Bagnall, pastor of
Ping-yang Fu, and Mrs. Bagnall.
THE BEGGARS.
On the Chinese New Year's day, Mr. Hoste and I
gave a dinner to beggars. Over fifty came. It was most
affecting to see them, and their gratitude to God, we
believe, was very touching. We had them in the chapel,
with rush mats spread on the floor. On these they sat
while we and some of the Church members sang and
preached to them. I believe it to be a sacred duty to
look after these poor ones, up to one's strength. I have
no doubt the Charity Organisation Society may be a very
estimable society, but, after all, it sounds very much like
the Gospel to the deserving. Thank God the Gospel is
not this — in His scheme the ^wdeserving find room. I
make this remark apropos of some dear native brethren,
who urged in different ways the uselessness of kindness
to them. Now let it be that they are scamps and vaga-
bonds in every sense of the term ; GOD loves them ; that
is enough, and whom God loves, we must and do love
too. O how the heartburns, the discords, and the fault-
finding of Christian men, the one with the other, have
their root in the fact that we do not consider how we have
been treated by God ; e.g., who would find it hard to
forgive an injury, if he dwelt on God's mercy in Christ?
Since I last wrote, I have conducted the first two
Christian marriages in the Chao-ch'eng district.
TWO christian marriages.
Of course it created great excitement, and, to add
to the novelty, my harmonium was carried there for the
occasion. At what time do you think the marriages took
place ? After midnight one, and just before midnight the
other. The bridegrooms in both cases were fifteen years
of age, and the brides about seventeen — the bridegrooms
in both cases Christian, and the brides heathen. This
latter circumstance is unavoidable, as, according to cus-
tom, these marriages are settled by the parents of the
parties concerned long before, generally quite in young
childhood ; so, of course, these two matches were made
long before they heard of the Gospel.
About midnight, the sound of tom-toms and music — if
music may be applied to such discordance — in the dis-
tance announced the fact that the bride in her sedan was
being brought from her village, and nearing the bride-
groom's house. We thereupon gathered in a tent erected
in an open yard. We will not say what the thermometer
was, but warmly clad the cold made no difference. Two
chairs were placed in front of the table facing me ; the
bridegroom was first escorted to a chair, and then the
bride, dragged* by a number of lady attendants, four in
number, to her seat. The service was very short and
simple, and consisted mainly of prayer and singing, with
the customary questions as to willingness, etc., on the
part of bride and bridegroom. It was a grand oppor-
tunity for the Gospel, as people came in from many parts.
God willing, after the Chinese New Year, we shall have
a wedding here, a sister of Mrs. Hsi to an elder of our
church, both most out and out children of God. When
the time arrives (D.V.), I shall be able to send you an
account of this.
* To come willingly would be considered a sign of forward-
ness,
102
CHINA'S MILLIONS.
FIFTY ENQUIRERS.
GOD is doing mighty things in Pu-hien, half-way be-
tween here and Sih-chao. There are now fifty enquirers,
and this work has sprung up quite lately. Do you realise
this — God answering your prayers most mightily ? Cry
more, ask for greater things with more assurance. Do
you realise Mark ii. 24 (R V.) when you pray?—" What
things soever ye desire when ye pray, believe that ye
have received them, and ye shall have them." Worthy,
worthy is He to receive honor.
THE HUNG-TUNG CIRCUIT.
It might make my circuits more intelligible if I draw a
ground plan of the districts or " circuits '' of the Hung-
t'ung church work.
You probably know that in China there are eighteen
provinces. These provinces are sub-divided into 1,500
hiens. These hiens, or districts, have each of them a
chief town, which is itself called the hien ; as, for instance,
Hung-t'ung is a hien town, and therefore called Hung-
t'ung-hien. The hien towns control the affairs of the
surrounding villages. Hung-t'ung has over three hundred
villages under it, though some of the villages are ex-
tremely small, while some number a thousand and more
families, and many some hundreds of families.
You will see by the accompanying map that in our work
the Hung-t'ung station is supposed to look after four
hiens, viz , Hung-tung, Fen-hsi, Chao-ch'eng, and Yoh-
yang,*and one chau (which is largerthanahien), Hoh-chau.
Of course these circuits are done on foot. A cart would
be impossible — as to most of these villages there are no
cart-roads — and a beast impracticable as well as an un-
necessary expense. Mr. Hoste and I both do these rounds,
he a fortnight after me. We have a trusty henchman,
and each takes a small bag, which is all the kit that is
necessary. This gives the people in these villages an
average of one visit a month, and on each visit you can
give two services. Each circuit takes nine days.
NEW PREMISES.
The Chinese year is not yet ended, there being yet
some sixteen days to complete the last month. I hope this
month to get the front block of buildings, which I have
often mentioned in letters. The landlord is still in them.
When they are obtained, Mr. and Mrs. Hsi will come and
live here. I am thinking of putting myself under Mr. Hsi,
as he has been much used of God, and the work has been
directly or indirectly, mainly his. I am far from believing
in the " Divine right" of missionaries ; that because one
comes out as a missionary, therefore all ought to bow to
©Fen hsi Hien
Hoh chau
PWa ling ping
N.
'Hungt'ung Hien
Main Road betueenTfungt'ung Hien&'Ho-chau thus
S.P. Smith's circuit during the uneven months thus
do. do. do. even do. thus .
Stanford's GcO£ l . Establ
MAP OF THE HUNG-T'UNG CIRCUIT*.
one's opinion, and accept one as guide. There is One
Guide to the Church, and O for all to look to Him I
^romnis 0f Uatibc (fftmstbn: ©toilers.
FROM MISS JAKOBSEN.
HOH-CHAU, Mar. 2nd.— You cannot think how
thankful I am that God sent me out to this
heathen land. Last night we had a very blessed meet-
ing. A Chinese Christian, who came up with Mr. Stanley-
Smith, gave his testimony as to how God had led him.
He is the first missionary the Hung-t'ung church has
sent out. He is going to the south of the province. He
is full of Christ ; he said, " I am going because the
Lord has called me." Mr. Hsi said that if he went
he was sure to suffer, but he answered, " I am not afraid.
If the people will not receive me or hear the Gospel, it
will be because the time has not yet come, but I believe
it will soon come. I do not trust in men, but in the
Lord. I have no money, and I have a family at home,
but I have left them (or Jesu's sake. I do not know
what will meet me, but the Lord knows, and He will
help." We received great blessing in seeing that man's
simple faith in God. Do pray for him. 1 am sure he
will have suffering to go through.
The people here in Hoh-chau are so very very kind.
They hardly know what to do to make us comfortable.
Praise the Lord !
FROM MR. STURM AX.
T'AI-YUEN, Mar. 10///.— The man who was converted
in the refuge this year is really growing in grace.
The more we see of him the more convinced we are
of his reality. At the prayer-meeting a fortnight since,
he prayed for help and guidance about opening a room
in his house for preaching. After the meeting he opened
his heart to me, and told me he had been asking the
Lord what he should do with the money he would have
spent in opium this year, and this is what he thought the
* Yoh-yang Hien, E. of Hung-t'ung, being beyond the border of the map, is not shown in it.
CHINA'S MILLIONS.
10 3
Lord wanted, that he should build a large room in his
house (he is a mason), for worship, so that we could go
and preach to all the neighbours. He came and did
some work for me, but refused to take any money, say-
ing : "How can I take your money when you have taught
me the way to God and to heaven ? "
%tts jorf § leasing.
FROM MR. GEO. MILLER.
NING-KVVOH FU, Mayzist— I have been so busily
engaged in the Lord's work that I have not had
time for writing. For four months I have been kept
preaching the Gospel almost every day, from morning
until evening. The number of visitors here has been
something extraordinary, and having no native helper,
it has been hardly possible for me to take advantage of
all the opportunities given for making known the good
tidings. After much prayer, I went to Gan-k'ing to ask
help, and Mr. Reid, of" Chi-chau, agreed to accompany
me to Ning-kwoh. I felt, also, that a native helper was
necessary, and after conversation with the superintendent
it was decided to send on Yang Ts'iien-ling to help in the
work here, leaving the old elder at Wu-ku in charge of
the work there.
You will be glad to hear that God is doing great things
for us. There is quite a revival going on in our midst.
Thirty-seven people have given in their names for bap-
tism, twelve of whom will be baptized, I expect, at the
end of next month. On Sabbath our chapel is crowded
to overflowing. Most of the people come from the
villages ; some walk ten miles and others thirty to hear
the Gospel. I do feel, as far as my observations will
allow me to conclude, that some are really converted.
Although at present it is a busy time with the farmers,
still they continue to come, and show greater interest than
ever in seeking to understand the simple truths of the
Gospel.
I expect in a short time to open two chapels in the
country, which, by God's help, will, I hope, be self-
supporting. We want the native Church to realise their
responsibility more than they have done in past years. If
there is to be a pure and devoted church, the native
Christians must be taught to give and work freely for the
Master's sake. No doubt, if we require strict obedience
to the principles of the Gospel, it will take us longer to
gather a church ; but when it is formed, it will be likely
to prove steadfast and immoveable — an ornament of
beauty to the Lord.
Altogether, I think there are over ioo inquirers here.
% D x mlm f ribtlcgc,
FROM MISS MAOKEE.
YANG-CHAU, May g/k—Uow shall I begin to tell
you of the Lord's goodness to me all the way ?
He made everything so comfortable for me on board
ship, and used me there too, I believe, to the salvation
of souls. I had a sweet realisation of His blessed
presence all the time. Before I left my dear friends I
did rather dread the parting, but my prayer was that
God would smooth the way, and make it as little painful
as possible; and, praise His name, He did exceeding
abundantly above what I asked or thought. And then I
thought, when the excitement is over, I shall find it
lonely, but instead, I do not know what it is to feel lonely,
for my blessed Saviour is so precious to my soul that I
just " feel like singing all the time." I do adore Him
that He has brought me out to this land to work for Him.
Christ and God and eternity never seemed so real to me
before ; and, oh, gladly would I leave home and friends,
and all for His dear sake, to receive the blessings which
He has just poured down on me ever since. I have
already proved, over and over again, the truth of our
Lord's statement in Matt. x. 29, 30, for I have been
receiving the hundredfold ever since I left my dear
home.
I was privileged the very first week of my arrival in
Yang-chau to witness four baptisms, and since then
another man has applied for baptism. Praise God. The
Lord is working here, and I believe He has great
things in store for Yang-chau, and indeed for the whole
of China. God speed the day when His knowledge
shall cover it as the waters cover the sea.
I don't know why the Christians at home who could
come out hold back ; it is a privilege, a priceless, glorious
privilege to be co-workers with the Master in this dark
land. May the Spirit of God carry the truth home to
very many hearts, as Mr. Taylor lays before them the
needs and claims of China, and may the people be stirred
up to realise their individual responsibility to give this
land the Gospel. May he have great grace to tell it out,
and may the Holy Spirit cause his words to sink down
deep into hearts, so that they cannot but cry out, " Here
am I, send me. 1 '
§rk£ States.
Mr. Armstrong writes from Shanghai on June 3rd of revival
there, in which " some of God's children have been stirred up,
and many souls saved." He continues — "I praise God that
He sent me to China ; He has taught me since leaving London
lessons of trust that I do not think I could have learned any-
where else."
Mr. Tudd writes from Che-fu on May 23rd, " We arrived
safely here on Thursday, 12th ; we were very sorry to part from
Miss Parker, at Shanghai ; she is a loving earnest worker, and I
believe the Lord gave her fruit on board \he\Saghalien. ... I
am expecting that we shall have large blessing in Ning-hai and
neighbourhood. . . . Yesterday (Sunday) afternoon, I spoke
to our two English schools together, after which one new girl
came out weeping to Miss Seed, wanting to trust in Jesus, which
she did ; another soon followed her. Later Miss Hibberd came
to tell us that four of the boys also had yielded themselves to
the Saviour, and our hearts were filled with joy."
%txibzh m Cjjma.
On May 21st, Mr. and Mrs. Armstrong, and Misses
Knight, Ellis, Scott, Miles, Judd, Culverwell, Forth,
and Stewartson arrived safely in Shanghai.
%vxxank ft am €hxm,
Mr. and Mrs. S. R. Clarke and infant reached London on
June 10th, considerably benefited by their journey.
$}t$nxt\mB for Cjmra.
It is proposed that the first autumn party of accepted mission-
aries should sail for China on August 25th, to be followed by
other parties fortnightly.
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ABSTRACT OF CHINA ACCOUNTS.
Disposition of Funds Remitted from England and Donations received in China during 1886.
105
Balances : —
General and Special ...
Relief Fund
General and Special Accounts : —
Remittances from England —
£14,255 9s- 7d.
Produced at Current Rates of
Tls. cts. Tls. cts.
44 24
347 07
391 31
Exchange
Tls.
cts.
62,607
96
*Donations in China ...
3,128
91
Less Relief Fund
Donation, 256 ...
46
27
3.082
66
•(Transferred from Ex-
change and Interest
Account
918
07
Unexpended Funds re-
turned to Account...
166
74
1,084
81
66,775 43
Relief Account : —
*Donation in China, A
2 56
46
27
■(Interest on Investments and
at
Current Account...
184
24
Investments withdrawn
...
1,200
CO
Tls. 68,597 25
General and Special Accounts : —
Fayments to Missionaries —
For Personal use ...
For the Support of Native Helpers,
Rents, Repairs of Houses and
Chapels, Travelling Expenses,
and Sundry Outlays on account
of Stations and Out-stations of
the Mission ... Tls. 14,272 98
Less Medical Relief 205 75
Tls. cts. Tls. cts
46,434 57
14,067 23
For Expenses of Boarding
Schools ... Tls. 2,059 41
Less Payments
from Relief
Fund .. 1,122 90
For Houses Accounts
For Passages to England...
For Purchases of Books, Station-
ery, etc....
For Deposits of Native Church
Funds
Relief and Orphanage Accounts:
Support of Children, etc., in Orphan
ages and Schools, as above
Medical Relief
Balances : —
General and Special...
Relief Fund
936 51
2,996 43
i>3'3 57
320 98
120 00
* LIST OF DONATIONS IN CHINA.
No. of
Rect.
A 245 .
246 .
247 .
248 .
249 ■
250 .
25> •
252
253 •
254 •
255 ■
256
Car. ford.
Profits by Exchange
Interest ...
Rents
No. of
Tls.
cts.
Rect.
15
00
Brot. ford. .
... 218
18
A 257 ...
18
75
258
... 215
73
259
21
82
260
••
43
34
261
7
50
262
2
25
263
..
21
62
264
35
00
265
... Cancelled
266
... 46
27
267
Tls. 645
46
Car. ford.
T
Tls. cts.
645 46
400 00
20 25
12 00
250 00
20 67
100 00
7 50
250 00
380 00
20 00
200 00
Tls. 2,305
No. of
Rect.
Brot. ford.
A 268 ...
269
270
271
272
273 •••
274 ,..
275 ...
276 ...
277 •••
278 ...
Car. ford.
Tls. 2,
Tls.
cts.
2,305
88
75
15
00
37
50
218
68
no
75
19
13
10
CO
4
00
233
41
27
CO
16
88
2,998
98
66,189
29
Dhan-
... 1,122 90
205 75
1,328
65
... 630 38
448 93
1,079
3i
Tls.
68,597
25
No. of
Rect.
TJs.
cts.
Brot. ford. ..
2,998
98
A 279
9
00
280
7
So
281
15
00
282
5
47
283
20
00
284
22
50
285
20
40
286
30
08
Tls. 3,128 93
Tls. 3,128 93 cts. at 5s.
•> ..c Sri
= £782 4s. 8d.'
t EXCHANGE AND INTEREST ACCOUNT.
Tls. cts.
... 551 00
■•• 333 81
... 217 50
Tls. 1,102 31
Tls. cts.
Transfer lo Gen. and Special Account, as above ... 918 07
,, Relief Account ,, 184 24
Tls. 1,102 31
We have examined the above Abstract with the Returns from China, and find it correct.
We have traced the Amounts charged in the " Home Accounts " as remitted to China, and find that they are all duly
accounted for.
1, Finsbury Circus, London, E.C.
2$th May, 1887.
(Signed) THEODORE JONES, HILL, & VELLACOTT,
Chartered Accountants.
io6
!tatioii0 anb ^imionntm of m China |[itkrrt) ||]i00ton,
(The Out-Staiions of the Missioji are not given in this table and the names of Associates are printed in Italics.)
I. — llmbmic 0f Cbxb-hbng.
l. Ring-fto, 1857.
y. Williamson, Superintended from
Fung-Mva.
Population* of Province, 12 millions ; Area\ of Province, 39,150 square miles
5. Shing-hien, 1869.
J. A. Heal 188
2. Fung-hwa, 1866.
J. Williamson
11s. Williamson ..
3. Ning-hai, 1868.
M. Harrison
4. Shao-hing, 1866.
James Meadows
Irs. Meadows (nee Rose)
1866
i87S
1862
1866
6. Hang-chau, 1866.
S Pastor Wong La-djiln.)
„ Nying Ts-kfing.)
7. T'ai-chau, 1867.
W. D. Rudland (absent). .
Mrs. Rudland {nee Knight)
8. IVi/n-chau, 1867.
George Stott
Mrs. Stott {nee Ciggie)
Miss Oliver
$76
1866
1870
1886
9. Bing-yae, 1874.
R. Grierson
E. S. Savers
10. Kiu-chau, 1872.
David Thompson
Mrs.. Thompson {nee Dowman) .
Miss S. Carpenter
Miss M. Carpenter
11. Chang-shan, 1878.
Miss Byron
Miss Littler
12. Kin-hwa, 1875.
A. Langman
A. Wright
Native Helpers, 66 — 6 Pastors, 29 Assistant Preachers, 4 School Teachers, 12 Colporteurs, 15 Bible-women,
II. — Urobtntc 0f |ihurg-sit,
Population* of Province, 20 millions ; Area\ of Province, 44,500 square miles.
13. Shanghai, 1854.
J. W. Stevenson . .
J. E. Cardwell . .
Mrs. Cardwell
Miss Mary Black . .
1866
1868
1868
1884
14. Yang-chau, 1868.
John McCarthy . .
Miss C. K. Murray
Miss M. Murray . .
1867
Miss McFarlane ..
Miss Jennie Webb. .
Tsing-kiang-p 'u
Miss Annie Say
Miss Fausset
Native Helpers, 5 — I Pastor, I Assistant Preacher, 1 School Teacher, 1 Colporteur, 1 Bible-woman,
HI. — ^rnfahtcc ai (San-jjfoitg.
Population* of Province, 9 millions ; Area] of Province, 48,161 square miles.
15. Gan-k'ing, 181
F. W. Baller
Mrs. Baller (nee Bowyer)
William Cooper (absent)
Mrs. Cooper (absent)
F. Marcus Wood
Mrs. Wood (nee Williams)
W. S. Johnston
John Brock
i873
1866
1881
1883
1883
1887
1887
Wm. Russell 1887
John Darroch 1887
F. Dymond (Bible Christians'
Mission) 1887
S. Pollard (Bible Christians'
Mission) 1887
16. Clii-chau, 1874.
John Rf.id 1884
Native Helpers, 4—1 Pastor, I Assistant Preacher, 2 School Teachers,
1 7. Ning-kwoh, 1 S74.
George Miller
18. Hwuy-chau, 1S75.
Duncan Kay
Mrs. Kay {nee Mathewson)
Miss J. D. Robertson . .
Miss S. E. Jones
19. Lai-gan, 1S87.
R. J. Landale, m'a.
IV. — Drobwtc of £Uang-si.
Population* of Province, 15 millions ; Area\ of Province, 72,176 square miles.
20. Ta-iu-l'ang, 1873.
H. Hudson Taylor .. .. 188 1
Mrs. H. H. Taylor (nee Gray) . . 1884
A. Hudson Broomhall . . . . 1884
Miss C. P. Clark 18S6
Miss Maria Hudson Taylor . . 1884
YuhshoH,
21.
Miss M. Williams.
1884
1885
1881
1881
1883
1884
1886
1884
1886
1SR4
188s
1886
1886
1884
1884
1884
1886
1886
1876
Miss Macintosh 1884
22, 23. Ho-k'co and Kivei-k'i.
Miss A. Gibson 1884
.Miss V. Tapscott 1886
Native Helpers, 7—1 Pastor, 5 Assistant Preachers, I Bible-woman.
* The estimate of population is that given in the last edition of " China's Spiritual Need and Claims."
t For comparison, the following particulars are given :—
Population of England, 24,613,926; Scotland, 3,735,573 ; Wales, 1,360,513 ; Ireland, 5,174,836.
Area „ 50,823 sq. mis. ; „ 29,820 sq. mis. ; „ 7,363 sq. mis. ; „ 32,531 sq. mis.
V.— Umbwa of Pa-pe^
Population* of Province, 20.£ millions; Area] of Province, 70,450 square miles.
107
24. Wu-cliang, 1874.
J. F. Broumton
Mrs. Broumton
Maurice J. Walker
25. Fan-ch'eng, 1878.
Thomas Hutton
Mrs. Hutton {nee Le Brun)
1875
1879
1 885
1884
1885
Miss J. Black i°°3
26. Sha-shi, 1884 (for Ha-nan).
A. C. Dorward (absent) . . . . 1878
W. L. Pruen, l.r.c.p 1880
Mrs. Pruen (nee Hughes) . . 1876
Henry Dick 1883
T. James i ?8 5
Native Helper :— I Assistant Preacher.
F. W. K. Gulston
Miss E. Wilson
Miss Mary Evans . .
27. Lan-fan, 1887.
George King
Mrs. King (nee H. Black)
Miss Emily Black. .
VI.— Urobina of lo-nan,
Population* of Province, 15 millions ; Area] of Province, 65,104 square miles.
28. Chau-kia-Veo, 1884. I J- R- Douglas 1885 I 29. She-tti-tien, 1886.
John Finlayson 1884 I ' J- A. Summon
7W?V<: Helpers ;— 2 Assistant Preachers.
VII.— fjrobina 0f git-nan,
Population* of Province, 16 millions; Area\ of Province, 74,320 */««;<? ffitfer.
This province is worked from Sha-shi", Hu-peh, which see.
YIIL— f robina of SM-rJpstt.
Population* of Province, 4 millions; Area\ of Province, 64,554 *7«a« »»/«.
30. Kwei-yang, 1877.
.. 1881 I Mrs. Andrew (nee Findlay) .. 1882 | Thomas Windsor
Native Helpers, 3—2 Assistant Preachers, I School Teacher.
1^.— Jgrobma 0f jM-rJntm,
Population* of Province, 20 millions ; Area\ of Province, 166,800 j?wa;r »»&J.
George Andrew . .
31. Chung-King, 1877.
George Nicoll 1875
Mrs. Nicoll (nee Ho wland, absent ) 1 879
C. T. Studd, B.A 1885
Cecil Polh ill-Turner .. .. 1885
G. Graham Brown
32. Chen-tu, 1881.
Samuel R. Clarke
Mrs. Clarke (nee Fausset)
Herbert Parry, l.r.c.p., etc..
Mrs. Parry (nee Broman)
R. Gray Owen
Mrs. Gray Owen (nee Butland) .
1884
Mrs. Riley (nee Stroud) . .
Miss Fosbery
Miss Lily Webb
33. Pau-ning, 1886.
Albert Phelps
W. W. Cassels, b.a.
A. T. Polhill-Turner, b.a.
Native Helpers, 7— I Assistant Preacher, 2 School Teachers, 2 Colporteurs, 2 Bible-women.
?L— flrobwa of JtteMiati.
34. Bhanw (in Upper Burmah), 1875.
Henry Soltau (absent) . .
Mrs. Soltau (absent)
F. A. Steven
Population* of Province, 5 millions; Area] of Province, 107,969 H^are miles.
oc Ta-li Fit 1S81 Mrs. Eason («/<? Southall)
F. T. FOU 3 C 5 AR ' ° WEN STEVENSON
l8 75 John Smith
1883 36. Yun-nan Fie, 1882.
1883 Arthur Eason (absent)
1885
1885
1885
1876
1882
i87S
1883
Miss L. Malpas
Miss Cath. R. Todd
T. G. Vanstone (Bible Christians)
S. T. Thorne ,, ,,
37. Lan-chau, 1
George Parker . .
Mrs. Parker
Miss Annie Taylor
38 . Si-ning, 1 8
William Laughton
Native Helpers, 2—1 Assistant Preacher, I School Teacher.
XI. — Iprofjma of fiatt-sirlj.
Population* of Province, 3 millions ; Area] of Province, 86,608 square miles
885. Mrs. Laughton (nee Brown) .. 18S5 Mrs. Hunt i
1876
1880
1884
Mrs. Laughton (nee Brown)
39. Ning-hsia, 1885.
Charles Horobin .. .. 1884
Stewart McKee 1884
40. Ts'in-chau, 1878.
Henry W. Hunt (absent) . . 1879
Mrs. Hunt (nee Smalley) . ,
W. E. Burnett
Mrs. Burnett (nee Jones)
Miss Eleanor Marston.
Miss Ellen A. Barclay. ,
Miss KlNAHAN
1882
1884
1884
1885
1885
1881
1883
1883
1884
1885
1885
1878
1883
1881
1884
1884
1886
* The estimate of population is that given in the last edition of " China's Spiritual Need and Claims."
t For comparison, the following particulars are given : —
Population of England, 24,613,926 ; Scotland, 3,735,573 ; Wales, 1,360,513 ; Ireland, 5,174,836.
Area „ 50,823 sq. mis. ; „ 29,820 sq. mis. ; „ 7,363 sq. mis. ; „ 32,531 sq. mis.
io8
^11. — |jr0bmte oi Sjjm-si.
Population* of Province, 7 millions ; Area] of Province, 67,400 square miles.
41. Han-chmg, 1879.
G. F. Easton
Mrs. Easton (nee Gardner)
Edward Pearse
Mrs. Pearse (nee Goodman)
W. Wilson, m.b., cm. . .
i87S
18&C
1876
i87S
Mrs. Wilson {nee Goodman) . . 1883
Edward Hughesdon . . . . 1884
J. McMullan 1884
T. E. S. BOTHAM 1885
W. Hope Gill 1885
Miss Alice Drake 1884
Miss E. C. Fenton. .
Miss Mary Legg
42. Si-gan Plain.
Chas. H. Hogg
Mrs. Hogg {nee Muir)
Native Helpers, 2 — 1 Assistant Preacher, I School Teacher.
43. Tai-yuen, 1877.
E. H. Edwards, m.b. cm.
Mrs. Edwards {nee Kemp)
J. H. Sturman
A. Orr Ewing
J. C. Stewart, m.d. (u.s.a.)
Miss Kerr
Miss A. G. Broomhall . .
Miss Stevens
Native Helpers, 14
882
882
883
886
885
44. Kwei-hwa-cK eng, 1886.
Population* of Province, 9 millions ; Area] of Province, 56,268 square miles.
47. Hoh-chau, 1886.
Miss Reuter
Miss Jakobsen
48. Hung-fung.
Stanley P. Smith, b.a.
D. E. Hoste
George W. Clarke
Mrs. Clarke (nee Lancaster)
W. T. Beynon
W. E. Terry
45- Ta-t'ung, 1886.
T.H.King
46. Sih-chau, 1885.
Wm. Key
Mrs. Key {nee Symon)
Montagu Beauchamp, b.a.
1875
1880
1885
1885
49- P'iitg-yang, 1879.
B. Bagnall
Mrs. Bagnall (nee Kingsbury)
D. M. Robertson ..
-3 Pastors, 1 School Teacher, 9 Colporteurs and Chapel Keepers, I Bible-woman.
50. Chef 00, 1879
J. Cameron, m.d. (u.s.a.) .. 1875
Native Church and Hospital.
A.W. Douthwaite, m.d. (u.s.a.) 1874
Mrs. Douthwaite (nee Doig) . . 1874
Schools.
(English Schools for Missionaries'
Children and others ; and School for
Eurasians.)
Boys' School.
Herbert L. Norris .. .. 1884
^IV. — ^rnbina of Sjjatt-tung.
Population* of Province, 19 millions ; Area] of Province, 65,104 square miles.
7Q. Frank McCarthy 1887 I <
Frank McCarthy
Alex. Armstrong . .
Mrs. Armstrong
Miss Hibberd
Girls' School.
Miss Sarah Seed
Miss Whitchurch
Miss Kings
Miss Knight
Miss Ellis
it
1887
1887
Sanatorium.
Mrs. Rendall
Miss Davis
Eurasian School.
1887
1886
51. Fuh-shan, 1885.
Mrs. Cheney
Miss E. Taylor
Miss S. Wilson
52. Ning hai, 1SS6.
C. H. Judd
Mrs. JlDD
Miss Groves
Native Helptrs, 4—2 Assistant Preachers, 2 Colporteurs.
mxamuts Absent— fetation ftlirbctcrmincb.
J. Hudson Taylor.
Mrs. Hudson Taylor.
Mrs. Stevenson.
Mrs. McCarthy.
Miss Turner.
C G. Moore (Home Work of Mission).
Mrs. Moore.
Frank Trench (Medical Study).
Miss Jessie Murray.
Mrs. Schofield.
J. J. Coulthard.
Horace A. Randle (Afedical Study).
Mrs. Randle (nee Boyd).
Miss Boyd.
Edward Tomai.in.
Mrs. Tomai.in (nee Desgraz).
Miss Hornk.
W. L. Elliston.
Mrs. Elliston (nie Groom).
T. W. Pigott, b.a.
Mrs. Pigott (nee Kemp).
1886
1886
1884
1883
1886
1886
1885
1885
1873
1880
1885
1881
1884
1886
1886
1868
1808
1887
mmxtmtB |lcrcittlir ^rribcir in CJrimi— (Eitgagctr in Sfctebg.
Miss Stewart.
Miss G. Muir.
Miss Burroughes.
Miss Britton.
Miss McWatters.
Miss Parker.
Miss Thomsom.
Miss Johnson.
Miss McQuillan.
Miss Gates.
Miss MacKee.
Miss Miller.
Miss Webber.
Miss M. E. Scott.
Miss A. A. Miles.
Miss H. Tudd.
Miss E. Culykrwell.
Miss L. M. Forth.
Miss Stewartson.
ICist of missionaries tvibo Wf&axh in Association, but arc not formalin Connectco foitb
C. T. Studd, b.a. (Unconnected).
Miss M. Hudson Taylor ,,
T. (r. VANSTONB (Bible Christians).
S. T. Thornic ,, „
May, 1887.
fbc Cbina Jfnlanb Iflission.
Miss FAUSSBT (Unconnected) .
F. McCarthy „
F. Dvjioni) (Bible Christians).
S. Poulard (Bible Christians).
Miss Sri- WARTSON ,,
Miss CiROYF.s (Unconnected).
* The estimate of population is that given in the last edition of" China's Spiritual Need and Claims."
t For comparison, the following particulars are given : —
Population of England, 24,613,926 ; Scotland, 3,735,573 ; Wales, 1,360,513 ; Ireland, 5,174,836.
Area „ 60,823 sq. mis. ; „ 29,820 sq. mis. ; „ 7,363 sq. mis. ; „ 32,531 sq. mis-
China's Millions.
THE HILL AND LAKE AT WAN-SHOW-SHAN, PEKING.
^epoxi fox t§e ^eax 1886.
KSTjI
wjk
HE mercies and blessings of the year 1886 call for thanksgiving and praise. Much of the
presence of the Lord was realised on our annual day of fasting and prayer, December
31st, 1885, and great anticipations of blessing resulted. These expectations, we are
glad to say, have not been disappointed.
We have to thank Goo for a larger number of native converts admitted to the Church by
baptism than in any previous year, and this number by no means represents the amount of blessing
received, as the number of candidates for baptism is, in many parts of the work, greater than the
number received into the Church. Then, again, there have been considerable, and very encouraging,
developments of our women's work. Far more has been found practicable and helpful than in any
previous period.
Perhaps the most important development of the year, however, has been in the way of organisa-
tion. A China Council has been formed to assist in the direction of the work in China, consisting of
the following brethren : —
J. Meadows
J. W. Stevenson
J. McCarthy
B. Bagnall...
F. W. Baller
Arrived in China. Arrived in China.
... 1862 J. Cameron 1875
... 1866 G.W.Clarke 1875
... 1867 G. F. Easton 1875
... 1873 A. C. Dorward 1878
... 1873 W. Cooper 1881
It not being possible on ordinary occasions for all these brethren to meet together, it has been
arranged that any three or four, besides the Director or his Deputy, may form a quorum to confer about
matters ; the results of such deliberations being communicated by letter to the remainder of the
Council, who are thus able to express their opinions by correspondence on the matter at issue.
September, 1887.
no
CHINA'S MILLIONS.
The first series of meetings in connection with this arrangement took place in Gan-k'ing in the
month of November, from the 13th to the 26th, these meetings having been preceded by several days
of fasting and prayer. One result'has been the preparation of a series of papers, which are proving a
very important help in the carrying on of so widespread a work ; and likewise the adoption of a
uniform plan of study, the value of which will be exceedingly great. Two Training Institutions have,
in consequence, been formed — one for brethren at Gan-k'ing, and one for sisters at Yang-chau
— probably to be followed by the opening of two others in other parts of China. A series of elemen-
tary works has been projected, part of which are already printed, and in use. (The advantages
which were anticipated have been already, in some measure, enjoj'ed by the missionaries who have
gone out during the present year. Mr. Bailer, who superintends the studies of the brethren in
Gan-k'ing, reports, in his latest letter, his expectation that each of the new brethren will be able to
read most of the New Testament in the Chinese written character, and to preach a creditable sermon,
in six months.)
Another outcome of that meeting was the determination to pray for a hundred new missionaries
in 1887, a movement the results of which it is yet too earl}' to dwell upon. We are still waiting upon
God about this.
We had the pleasure last year of receiving in China the following eleven new workers : —
Miss Tapscott
„ Davis
,, Fans set
„ Littler
Arrived. , Arrived.
April 1st Miss Annie Say May 24th
Mr. Archd. Orr Ewing June 6th
„ E. S. Savers ,
May 24th „ G. Graham Brown
Mr. Andrew Wright
Dr. Stewart
Miss H. E. Kings...
Arrived.
June 6th
Dec. 22nd
Two of our valued workers have been removed during the year by death, Mr. J. H. Riley, and
Mr. T. Jenkins. Both of them were workers in Si-ch'uen, and their loss has been much felt. Obituary
notices of these beloved brethren have been given in the current numbers of China's Millions.
Though not properly belonging to the Report for 1886 we mention here, for the sake of complete-
ness, the arrivals in China towards " The Hundred " during the year 1887, up to date : —
« *
Arrived.
A
■rived.
Arrived.
Mr. Johnston
... Feb. 13th
Miss
McWatters
...Apr:
1 26th
Mr.
Armstrong ...
... May 2ist
„ Frank McCa
rlhy
.,
>)
BURROUGHES
>i
Mrs
Armstrong ...
...
„ Brock
...Mar. 1 jth
»
Britton
...
i>
Miss Knight
... ||
„ Russell
.. .
... j|
M
Johnson
ii
.1
L. K. Ellis ...
...
„ Darroch
,,
)1
McQuillan ...
>>
»)
Scott
...
„ Dymond
,,
))
Gati
>i
„
Mills
n
„ Pollard
,,
)>
Millar
>»
M
Judd
,,
Miss G. MuiR
...April 26th
:>
MacKee
>)
,,
CULVERWELL
... ||
„ Stewart
,,
•it
Parker
... M
iy 5 th
.,
Forth
!>
„ Thomson
... ,,
Webber
Groves
)»
Slewartson ...
•'
nig,
Those whose names are printed in italics are associates, and not members, of the Mission.
The arrangements of the Mission have been put on what it is hoped will prove a permanent foot-
though susceptible, of course, of development as the growth of the Mission may require. The
various departments of service are now conducted with a degree of ease and regularity that previously
was unattainable.
Having been relieved of much detail, Mr. Taylor was able while in China to devote a larger measure
of time to the spiritual aspect of the work, and in the year 1886 more extensive journeys than he had
previously been able to accomplish were taken. Most of our principal stations in nine of the eighteen
provinces of China Proper were visited.
Conferences, both for spiritual edification and for consideration of important matters connected
with the work, were held in various centres. A somewhat full account of those in Shan-si has appeared
in " Days of Blessing,"* the first edition of which will soon be exhausted. Mr. Taylor's joy in
meeting hundreds of native Christians in the Provinces of Shan-si and Shen-si, on this hisfirst visit to
them, has been referred to in China's Millions. The statistics of the work are given in the accom-
panying table ; and the principal stations in which the missionaries are residing are underlined on a
coloured map of China, which can be obtained on application at the offices o f the Mission. f
* Morgan and Scott, is. 6d. cloth extra, is. paper covers. t Price id., post free i£d.
CHINA'S MILLIONS.
in
THE FIVE NORTHERN PROVINCES.
Following the course of our Report of last year, we will now briefly refer first to these provinces, taking them in
the order of the statistical table, to facilitate reference.
l—KAN-SUH.
Population of Province, 3 millions ; Area of Province, 86,608 square miles.
Missionary Superintendent— G. F. Easton.
Stations, 4 ; Missionaries,* 14 ; Native Helpers, no return ; Baptised in 1886, 10 Converts.
Our last year's Report referred to four stations and eight
missionaries. We have no increase in the number of
stations, but the number of missionaries has been in-
creased to fourteen.
In the capital we have had occasion during the year
to refer to one or two encouraging cases which have
cheered Mr. Parker. Besides the local work there,
he has continued his itinerations, circulating the Scrip-
tures as heretofore in Tibetan and Turki, Arabic,
and Chinese. Tidings of Miss Annie Taylor's work have
appeared in China's Millions from time to time. She
has succeeded in effecting a residence within the walls of
the city (Lan-chau).
In Ning-hia, though there have been several changes
from the absence of one or other of the workers, there is
reason to hope that one or two have accepted Christ.
The work in Si-ning was interrupted for a time, as Mr.
Laughton had to come down to Shang-hai to take back his
bride. We trust that whatever loss his temporary ab-
sence may have caused will be more than made up by
Mrs. Laughton's work among the women during the
present year.
In Ts'in chau, however, the greatest encouragement
of this year has been found, where ten were baptised
by Mr. Hunt, and a number of candidates were enrolled,
giving promise of further blessing in the present year.
Mr. and Mrs. Hunt having returned to England for
their furlough, many of those who have been praying
for them, and rejoicing with them in the success vouch-
safed, will, we trust, have the opportunity of hearing the
story from their own lips,
II.— S HENS I.
Population of Province, 7 millions; Area of Province, 67, 400 square miles.
Missionary Superintendent— G. F. Easton.
Stations, 2 ; Missionaries, 15 ; Native Helpers, 2 ; Baptised in 1886, 20 Converts.
In this province, the labours of Mr. Hogg in the
Si-gan Plain have not yet resulted in a settlement ;
indeed, it has not been thought prudent to attempt to rent
a house. But Mr. Hogg has lived for months at a time
in the capital city, having rooms in a well-known inn.
Whether he will be able to work in this way during the
present year remains to be proved. His marriage in March
to Miss Sarah Muir was performed by the Rev. W. W.
Cassels in Han-chung Fu. Mrs. Hogg is a fluent speaker,
and has had much experience both among women and
girls in Han-chung Fu ; and if our friends are able to
reside for months together in the inn at Si-gan, and to
visit the villages and surrounding cities, as we trust may
be the case, we shall look with great expectancy for signs
following.
In Han-chung Fu twenty have been baptised during the
year, and the girls' school has increased in number. It
will be seen from the return that last year there were
twenty-three girls in the school. Recent letters mention
that the number this year is thirty-four. We would ask
special prayer also for the itinerant work connected with
this station. Mr. Pearse is hoping to visit, and systemati-
cally work, in all the county cities of this prefecture. Seve-
ral of these have been already visited. The return of Mr.
and Mrs. Easton to their station will be of great value.
The medical work of Dr. Wilson has been increasingly
encouraging, and is referred to in a letter given on page
118. Of another part of his work, Dr. Wilson writes as
follows :
illustrated tracts.
" I am much interested in my new departure— designing
illustrated tracts— tracts meant not to exhaustively treat
any one subject, nor yet to present a complete outline of
Christian truth, but in the first place to attract attention
and make people stop to read the tract, which I fear is
seldom the case with the ordinary run of tracts ; then to
present a single train of thought, not exhaustively, but
rather so as to stimulate inquiry or curiosity, and at the
bottom, to put in very plain type an invitation to come to
the hospital to inquire further.
" We have had two printed. One a pair of scales ; one
scale-pan being loaded with earthly happiness, long life,
wealth, honour, etc. ; and the other with heavenly happi-
ness, showing, by the position of the scales, the relative
lightness of the former.
"This morning I had the type-cutter here with a tract
called ' The Light of Heavenly Truth.' At the bottom,
at one side, is a crescent moon, with full light, showing
conscience : at the other side, a candle representing the
light of human wisdom. Above, and on a larger scale,
is represented the sun, radiating light in all directions :
three characters attached to each ray of light, represent
some one great truth that is illumined by heavenly light,
and about which we should be in ignorance but for this
Divine light (the Bible).
" Another tract I am trying to design is one with two
maps of the world, coloured red and blue, according to
what portions of the human race are God worshippers,
and what part idol worshippers. The one map represents
the world at the time of Christ's advent, all in darkness
but where the Jews were living ; and the other the pre-
sent time. I have not yet decided what letterpress to
have in connection with it. It will be sure to be read,
as the people are always interested in seeing a map of
the world.
"Another, not yet finished, is ' The Two Roads.' I will
send you a small bundle of these tracts by book-post, as
I think many would be interested in them."
Our friends will notice, we hope, on looking at the map,
how very small a proportion of the province can be
affected from Han-chung Fu and the Si-gan Plain. Mr.
George King attempted, but unsuccessfully, to open a
station in Hing-gan Fu, on the Han River ; and had to
make his basis of attack on the south-eastern part of the
province, at Lan-t'an, a small town in Hu-peh, immedi-
ately adjoining Shen-SI.
North of the Si-gan Plain we have been unable to
attempt anything this year. We are needing reinforce-
ments sorely.
* For the Names of the Missionaries, see pages 106, 107, 108, of our last Number.
112
CHINA'S MILLIONS.
III.— SHAN-SI.
Population of Province, 9 millions; Area of Province, 56,268 square miles.
Missionary Superintendents— B. Bagnalt,, G. "W. Clarke.
Stations, 3 ; Missionaries, 23 ; Native Helpers, 14 ; Baptised in 1886, 163 Converts.
In this important province considerable changes
have taken place during the year. We are working
in this province in four different districts : — 1st, North
of, and between, the great Walls ; 2nd, In T'ai-yiien, the
capital ; 3rd, West of the River Fen from Hiao-i to
P'u Hien, including Sih-chau and Ta-ning ; 4th, To the
east of the same river, from Hoh-chau to K'uh-wu. There
is a good deal of outwork from the two last of these dis-
tricts, the limits of which cannot be easily defined.
I.— In the far North.
We have concluded, until further reinforcements are
available, to work Ta-fung Fu and the adjoining prefec-
ture, Soh-p'ing Fu, instead of Pao-t'eo.
It will be noticed that the Great Wall is double in
Shan-si, and that a considerable region is enclosed be-
tween the two Walls. This whole region is being as
thoroughly worked from Ta-t'ung Fu as circumstances
will permit, and the seed sown by our brethren there, we
trust, will soon appear.
At Kwei-hwa-cJ? eng, on the borders of Mongolia, far
outside the Great Wall, much has been done to break
down prejudice, and to spread the knowledge of the truth.
A powerful church in this part of Shan-SI would affect
Mongolia, the north of Shen-si, and, to some extent,
even Thibet. Great numbers of Lamas pass to and fro,
and visit and reside, for a longer or shorter time, in the
Lamissaries of NORTH SHAN-SI.
II— The Capital.
The work in and around T'ai-yiien Fu has this year
been much hindered by sickness, and the labours of Dr.
Edwards have been unusually heavy ?nd trying. The
friends of Dr. Schofield contributed funds to secure
premises for a Memorial Hospital ; and Mr. Pigott,
before leaving, arranged for the purchase of premises
suitable for adaptation. A retired mandarin in posses-
sion, however, refused to vacate at the request of the
owners ; so the purchase was not completed till towards
the close of 1886. In the meantime, Dr. Edwards was
in this embarrassing position ; it was not worth while
expending much in improving premises which were to be
vacated, and yet the medical work could not be developed
without such alterations. We are, therefore, very thank-
ful that at last possession has been peacefully obtained.
In July, Mr. Hudson Taylor and Mr. OrrEwing reached
T'ai-yiien, and the special meetings, reported in " Days of
Blessing," were held. Since then the work has become
much more encouraging, and we have been able to tell
in China's Millions of souls added to the Lord.
Though not occurring within the year, we can scarcely
close this notice without referring to the great sorrow of
Dr. and Mrs. Edwards in the removal of their beloved
child ; much sympathy has been felt for them. We are
praying for a fully qualified and experienced medical
missionary to take charge of the SCHOFIELD MEMORIAL
Hospital, and relieve Dr. Edwards for a much-needed
furlough.
1 1 1.— West of the River Fen.
This district was worked till the autumn by the Rev.
W. W. Cassels and Mr. Montagu Beauchamp, and
latterly by Mr. and Mrs. Key. It is shown in the ac-
companying map of South Central SHAN-SI. This beautiful
mountainous district is very healthy, and seems likely to
be spiritually fruitful as the garden of the LORD.
Mr. Stevenson baptized twenty-nine in this district, when
in Shan-si. We have no report of the state of matters
at the close of the year, but gather from letters that there
were eighty or ninety unbaptized candidates and inquirers
at the beginning of 1887.
IV. — East of the River Fen.
In this district we have four centres of work, and
during the year there have been considerable changes.
1. Mr. Stanley Smith took up Hung-fung as his
station early in the year, as more central than P'ing-yang
Fu, in which he had previously resided. Those who
have read " Days of Blessing " will remember the
remarkable conference of Chinese Christians held there
in the summer. Latterly Mr. Stanley Smith has been
joined by Mr. D. E. Hoste, and their plan of working the
district was shown in a sketch map, given in page 102
of our last number, and explained in Mr. Stanley P.
Smith's letter, which accompanied the engraving.
2. In the autumn the Rev. B. Bagnall took charge in
Fin^-yang, after his marriage with Miss Kingsbury ; Mr.
C. T. Studd, as well as Mr. M. Beauchamp, having
journeyed westward with Mr. Hudson Taylor.
3. In the eatly winter Misses Reuter and Jakobsen
reached Hoh-chau, where they have since resided with
much encouragement ; though, as usual, there arc a few
opponents.
4. Work in K'uh-wu was in the autumn suspended for
the time being ; and Mr. Bagnall greatly desires re-
inforcements to enable him to re-occupy this post.
Our readers will remember the telegram announcing
the baptism of 226 in Hung-t'ung and P'ing-yang in
April, 1887. Most of these were the results of the
labours of last year and the years before.
IV.— SHA.X-TUXo.
Population of Province, 19 millions; Area of Province, 56, 268 square miles.
Missionary Superintendent— J. Cameron, M.D.
Stations, 3; Missionaries, 21 ; Native Helpers, 4 ; Baptised in 18S6, 5 Converts.
In C11111-LI we have as yet no work. But in SHAN-TUNG
the number of our stations has been increased by the
opening of Ning-hai Chan by Dr. Cameron. Mr. Terry
has been working there for some time, and Mr. and Mrs.
Judd purpose residing there. The work is still in its
initial stage.
In Fi/h-sh in, the other out-station, Mrs. Cheney and
Miss Emily Taylor reside, and continue to be cheered
by the willingness of the women to listen to the Gospel.
A dispensary has been opened, and one of our medical
brethren from Chefoo regularly attends to see patients.
From Chefoo the returns of church work have not been
received, so that we have only been able to enter in the
statistical table, as baptised, five persons who were
mentioned in one of our letters from Chefoo. Others, we
believe, were baptised, but we know not the number.
The Medical work has been steadily prosecuted by Hrs.
Douthwaite and Cameron. In the out-patient depart-
ment 5,635 new cases have been under treatment during
the year, and the total number of visits recorded is ;
including 620 seen at Fuh-shan. In the hospital only
79 in-patients have been treated. We hope to give
CHINAS MILLIONS.
"3
fuller particulars of this work in a separate report.
The work of the Sanatorium has been as useful as before ;
and the charge of it has been taken by Mrs. Rendall.
The English Schools have made encouraging progress,
and the premises in which the girls' school was carried
on have required enlargement. There has been spiritual
blessing in both the girls' and the boys' schools, as well
as decided educational progress.
The village work at Tung-chwang conducted by Mrs.
Douthwaite has given her much joy, and consisted in the
care of a school, and in Sunday services for the women.
(Our readers have learned from the letter of Dr. Douth-
waite [page 101 of our last number] of the loss we have
sustained in her removal in April, 1887. An extract from
the funeral sermon preached by the Rev. Dr. Nevius is
given on page 116 of this number.)
V.— HO-NAN.
Population of Province, 15 millions; Area of Province, 65, 104 square miles.
Missionary Superintendent— F. W. Baller.
Stations, 2 ; Missionaries, 3 ; Native Helpers, 2 ; Native Communicants, 3.
This remaining northern province also shows signs of
encouragement. The station, Chau-kia-k'eo, reported last
year, has been kept open, and no small amount of
evangelistic work has been done there. Mr. Douglas has
gone to reinforce Mr. Finlayson.
Mr. Slimmon has opened a new station at She-k'i-tien.
There have been no baptisms at either station ; though,
as reported in China's Millions, there is good reason
to believe that a number of persons have accepted Christ
as their Saviour.
During our journey last year in Shan-si, we met a
man who made an open profession of Christianity ; and
on conversation he showed considerable acquaintance
with the truth. He said he was a believer, that he had
heard the Gospel in Chau-kia-k'eo, and had turned
from the worship of idols to serve the only living and
true God. We would ask much prayer for Ho-NAN,
that, if it be God's will, during the present year a still
further advance may be made in the work, and that in the
older of these stations a church may speedily be formed.
THE FOUR CENTRAL PROVINCES.
VI.— SI-CIfUEN.
Population of Province, 20 millions; Area of Province, 166,800 square miles.
Missionary Superintendent — J. W. Stevenson.
Stations, 3; Missionaries, 17; Native Helpers, 7; Baptised in 1886, 5 Converts.
We commence again in the west, with the province of
Si-ch : uen, the largest in the Empire. Here we have less
to report than in previous years.
In Chcn-tu, the serious illness of Mr. Riley, mentioned
in our last report, terminated fatally, and Mr. and Mrs.
Samuel Clarke carried on the work underunfavourable cir-
cumstances, having themselves seriously suffered in health.
They have recently arrived in England on furlough.
Then as to Chung-k'ing, the month of July commenced
with the serious riot which drove away, for the time, all
the missionaries. Previous to this the sickness and death
of our brother Jenkins, and the illness of Mr. Hughesdon
had seriously interrupted the work. Mr. C. T. Studd
volunteered to proceed from Han-chung Fu to Chung-
king to hold the fort. He was accompanied from the capi-
tal by Mr. Gray Owen. The authorities would only allow
one missionary to remain, so Mr. Owen had to return.
In Pao-ning Fu, however, Mr. Owen and Mr. Phelps
have been enabled steadily to reside, and our friends,
Mr. Cecil and Mr. Arthur Polhill-Turner have paid several
visits to that city; as well as to Chen-tu, in and around
which they have latterly been working. A house was
rented in Pao-ning, but, as is often the case, it had to be
restored to the landlord before occupancy. Our latest
intelligence is of the renting of another house, which has
been peacefully occupied. It will (D.V ) become Mr.
Cassels' head-quarters.
In Chen tu, five have been baptised during the year,
and we would ask the earnest prayers of our readers that
the present year may be one of quiet and success after
the excitement of 1886. Mr. Gray Owen was married
by Mr. Cassels to Miss Butland in April, 1887, and they
were left in temporary charge of the Chen-tu work by Mr.
Saml. R. Clarke, when he and Mrs. Clarke came home.
VII.— HU-PEH.
Population of Province, 2o£ millions ; Area of Province, 70,450 square miles.
Missionary Superintendent— F. W. Baller.
Stations, 4; Missionaries, 17; Native Helper, I; Baptised in 1 886, 29 Converts.
Hu-PEH, on the eastern border of Si-ch'uen, is princi-
pally worked by us as a basis of operations for the regions
beyond. Wu-chang is to us little more than a business
station. Sha-shi, though more worked, was opened for
the sake of operating more convenientlyin Hu-Nan ; and
as we have already mentioned, La?i-?an was opened for
the same reason with reference to South-western Shen-
SI. Fan-ch'eng was at one time our basis for operations
in Ho-nan, but now that we have definite centres in that
province, it is worked more directly as a mission-station
on its own account.
In the last Report we had ten missionaries working in
the Hu-peh Province, in three stations ; now we record
seventeen missionaries in four stations, Lan-t'an having
been opened during the year. Nine persons were bap-
tised in the Hu-PEH stations last year ; during the present
year twenty-nine have been received into Church-fellow-
ship. All these, however, were at the one station, Fan-
ch'eng, in which, at the time, Mr. and Mrs. George King,
and Misses Jane and Emily Black were working. It has
not been an easy thing for Mr. and Mrs. Hutton, as new
missionaries, partially familiar with the language and the
work, to follow Mr. and Mrs. King. They are, however,
month by month, becoming more acquainted with the
district, the converts, and the work ; and will, we trust,
be cheered by further additions to the little flock.
Mr. Dorward, from Sha-shi', has visited this country,
and will (D.V.) be returning in the autumn. We trust
the prayers of many who have heard him speak will
follow him, and that he may not only see extension of the
work from Sha-shi but definite openings in the Province
ofHu-NAN. We need not repeat here the account of
the Sha-shi work given by him at our annual meetings,
and reported in our last number.
ii4
CHINA'S MILLIONS.
VIII.—GAN-HWUY.
Population of Province, 9 millions ; Area of Province, 48,161 square miles.
Missionary Superintendent— William Cooper.
Stations, 5 ; Missionaries, 14 ; Native Helpers, 4 ; Baptised in 1886, 54 Converts.
Continuing our eastward course we reach the Province
of Gan-hwuy. In this province, in addition to the
stations mentioned in last year's report, Lai-gan appears
as a distinct centre for the first time, our brother Landale
having taken the superintendency of this work. The
returns, however, have not yet been separated from those
of Gan-k'ing.
There has been much encouragement during the year
at Gan-k'ing, the capital ; at Ning-kwoh Fu, where Mr.
Miller has been working with great earnestness and much
blessing ; and especially in Ku-cheng-tsih and the neigh-
bouring villages of the Lai-gan district. We were
cheered last year to report forty-three additions to the
Church by baptism in this province. The number added
this year is fifty-four. Agaimt thirteen missionaries re-
ported as working in the province last year, we now
record nineteen. Several of these, however, being
students of the language, are not yet able to take any
large part in the work, though their very presence is a
cheer, and their prayers and what they can do are much
valued.
We are longing to have strength to make more definite
inroads into that large part of the province north of the
Yang-tse, and west of the Lai-gan district. Very accessible,
and as far as we can judge ripe for work, an occasional
visit is all that we have hitherto been able to accomplish.
Our brother Cooper, now in this country, is very desirous
on his return of seeing a definite commencement made in
this important district.
IX.—KIANG-SU.
Population of Province, 20 millions ; Area of Province, 44,503 square miles.
Missionary Superintendent— John McCarthy.
Stations, 3; Missionaries, 11 ; Native Helpers, 5; Baptised in 1886, 7 Converts.
Between Gan-hwuy and the sea lies the province of
Kiang-su. Shang-hai is to us little more than a business
centre. Yang-chau, with its sub-station, Ts'ing-kiang-p'u,
and the district on the Grand Canal between the two, are
the only parts of this province we are now working.
In the returns, only eleven missionaries are noted as
against eighteen in the report of last year. The difference
lies in the fact that those who were then preparing for
work have gone forward into other districts, and are
engaged in several parts of the field. Training stations,
like Yang-chau and Gan-k'ing, to which new missionaries
go for study of the language and preparatory training,
will, of course, fluctuate in the number of residents,
though the amount of work carried on may not much
vary.
During the year 1885 on ly one person was baptised in
Yang-chau ; in 1886 we had to rejoice in seven. The
number received up to the present time during this year
is considerably larger ; and these, though not baptised in
1886, must be considered to be — in part at least — the
fruits of the labours of that year.
The Girls' School formerly in Gan-k'ing, was late in the
year removed to Yang-chau, its original position, and is
prospering under the care of Miss Cecilia Murray and
Miss Jennie Webb.
We must not leave this station without asking special
prayer for the Grand Canal work In the 100 miles
between Ts'ing-kiang-p'u and Yang-chau there are no
fewer than a hundred villages and towns, and several cities.
All these are easily accessible, as they lie on the banks of
the Canal, to any one passing up and down by boat. Our
sisters are doing what they can for these places en route
to and from Ts'ing-kiang-p'u ; but surely we need a
stronger staff, and some one to care exclusively for the
teeming population adjacent to this Cnnal.
THE MORE SOUTHERLY PROVINCES.
X.— YUN-NAN.
Population of Province, 5 millions ; Area of Province, 107,969 square miles.
Missionary Superintendent— J. W. Stevenson.
Stations {including Bhamo), 3 ; Missionaiies, 12 ; Native Helpers, 2; Native Converts, 8.
Turning again to the West, to the province of Yun-
nan, we will connect therewith, as heretofore, our border
station at Bhamo in Upper Burmah. Mr. F. A. Steven,
ofTa-li Fu, who in 1885 was unable to go further west
than Momien (Teng-yueh-chau), again left Ta-li Fu in
March, 1886, and after considerable difficulty and danger,
reached Bhamo in safety on April 26th. For this we
have much cause to thank and praise God, as it is
generally known in the province that the Tao-tai, or
Governor of the West of Yun-nan, was degraded by the
Viceroy for not having had him murdered on the border.
like Mr. Margary.
In Ta-li Fu, Messrs. Foucar and J. Smith havf con-
tinued to hold the fort, and have been encouraged by
the conversion of several of the children in the school.
Neither there nor in the capital, Yun-nan Fu, have any
baptisms or conversions of adults been reported.
The work in Yun-nan has been peculiarly difficult,
owing to the excitement of the people ; first, by the
French operations in Tong-king, and, secondly, by the
English occupation of Upper Burmah. It is a cause for
devout thanksgiving that none of our people have suffeied
in this province from any outbreak of popular excite-
ment, such as that which last year disturbed the peace in
Chung-k'ing.
XI.—KWEI-CHA U.
Population of Province, 4 millions; Area of Province, 64,554 square miles.
Missionary Sup; rintexdent— J. W. Stevenson.
Station, \ ; Missionaries, 3; Native Helpers, 3; Baptised during 188b, 21 Converts.
This province has likewise been in a more or less I unobtainable till the present spring. Mr. and Mrs.
disturbed state throughout 18S6, and passports continued | Andrew and Mr. Windsor had therefore to continue the
CHINA'S MILLIONS.
"5
work at Kwei-yang Fit, the capital, alone, and only two
persons were baptised during the year. But many heard
the Gospel, and fruits, we trust, may be found after many
days. We are thankful that passports are now granted,
and trust it may be possible during the present year to
strengthen the work.
XI1.—HU-NAN.
Population of Province, 16 millions ; Area of Province, 65,104 square miles.
Missionary Superintendent— A. C. Dor ward.
Stations, none ; Workers, those at Sha-shi.
We are still unable to report the opening of any station
in this province. The journey of Mr. Dick through the
west and south of Hu-NAN, mentioned in our last report,
was continued into the present year ; and he was merci-
fully preserved from those dangers which are specially
incident to work in Hu-nan. For the first time the
capital city was entered by a foreign missionary ; and
though Mr. Dick was not able to accomplish any mis-
sionary work within the city, the fact of his having been
there is probably a step to further success in the future.
The work for Hu-NAN has been prosecuted at Sha-shi
with as much vigour as circumstances have permitted, and
as Mr. Dorward told us at the annual meeting, with some
encouragement among the women, though with much
difficulty among the men. Mr. Dorward hopes to return
to China in time to recommence his labours in this
difficult region this winter.
XIIL—KIANG-SL
Population of Province, 15 millions ; Area of Province, 72,126 square miles.
Missionary Superintendent— John McCarthy.
Stations, 4 ; Missionaries, 9 ; Native Helpers, 7 ; Baptised in 1886, 4 Converts.
In this province we have a more encouraging record.
Against two stations with five missionaries in last year's
report, we have four with nine missionaries mentioned,
and though only four baptisms are reported this year,
while ten were reported last year, this is not because the
work has proceeded with less encouragement, but from
the fact that the superintendent missionary has been
mainly occupied in developing new work, and the record
of accessions will come into the report for the present
year. At Kwei-J?i we witnessed last summer the baptism
of the first convert. At the end of the year there were
believed to be twenty-three Christians in that station
alone. At Ta-ku-t'ang five candidates for baptism were
reported in December. Several new out-stations have
been opened, in three of which it is believed souls have
been given to the workers for their hire. With the
exception of Ta-ku-t'ang, from lack of workers, the stations
and out- stations have had to be left with lady workers
only. Particulars of their work have been given from time
to time in China's Millions, and the measure of
encouragement has been quite a surprise and a cause for
unfeigned thankfulness,
XIV.—CHEH-KIANG.
Population of Province, 12 millions ; Area of Province, 39,150 square miles.
Missionary Superintendent— James Meadows.
Stations, 12; Missionaries, 21 ; Native Helpers, 66; Baptised in 1886/103 Converts.
In this province the number of workers remains the
same as last year, though there have been some changes
In arrangements. About 103 baptisms are reported,
instead of 80, as the year before, and there is one station
from which no return has been received, in which we
have reason to believe eight or ten have been added to
the Church.
In the far West the Misses Carpenter have returned to
Kiu-chau, and have joined Mr. and Mrs. Thompson ;
while Misses Byron and Littler have been working with
much encouragement in the city of CICang-shan, and its
out-station, Peh-shih-kiai. Nine members have been
received into Church-fellowship in these stations.
In Kin-hiva our brothers Langman and Wright have
been cheered by the baptism of seven converts and there
is further promise of blessing,
We cannot speak of Hang-chau, as the returns have not
come to hand. Having only native pastors there, it is
difficult to prevent some irregularity.
In Shao-hing and the out-stations, the addition of
twelve has been cause for praise, though our earnest
brother, Mr. Meadows, longs to see much larger accessions
to the confessors of Christ. He is encouraged, however,
by increased earnestness of converts, and more readiness
to hear among the heathen. Mr. Robertson had to leave
this district from failure of health, and is now working
in Shan-si. The Misses Carpenter have likewise, from
failure of health, needed to return to Kiu-chau.
Ning-po, Fung-hnva, and Ning-hai have been long
under the superintendency of Mr. Williamson, and latterl/
T'ai-chau and its out-stations have also, owing to the
continued absence of Mr. and Mrs. Rudland. T'ai-
chau, however, has had fifteen added to its member-
ship, while the Fung-hwa and Ning-po districts have only
added eight. We would ask much prayer for this latter
region. Our brother Mr. Williamson is greatly tried by
want of harmony and earnestness in some of the native
workers.
The most successful district in Cheh-kiang has been
that of Wun-chau, including the out-stations, Dong-ling
and Bing-yae. In this station and out-stations fifty-two
have been added during the year. Mr. and Mrs. Stott
arc at present in America, and may shortly reach home
and meet many of our friends during their furlough.
It only remains to be added that the district of Ciiu-
chau, in which the work has been long in abeyance, is now
superintended by our brother Grierson from Bing-yae,
and that there are reasons to hope that it will not long
remain unfruitful.
u6
CHINA'S MILLIONS.
ix& <§out]}tomh — |tt ^maxmm.
Extract from a Memorial Serjnon Preached in Union Chapel, Chefoo, May i$th, 1887.
By the Rev. J. L. NEVIUS, D.D.
MRS. DOUTHWAITE was born in Manchester, England,
in the year 1852. Both her parents are still living.
She received her education principally in a boarding school in
Sheffield. Her first Christian associations were with the body
of believers known as the Plymouth Brethren. At the age of
sixteen she united with the Congregationalist Church. At this
early period her Christian character manifested itself in earnest
and spontaneous efforts for the good of others. She was an
active worker in the Sunday-school, and two or three nights in
the week in the ragged schools. Thus, before she had any inti-
mation of the special life-work to which the Master had called
her, she was being fitted by the hallowed influences of a high
type of piety in her parents — by intimate associations with
Christians of different denominations, widening her religious
views and sympathies — by a generous social and intellectual
culture, and by hard and successful labour in different depart-
ments of work at home, for the trial of faith and patience which
awaited her in China.
For several years before coming abroad she felt a strong
desire to give her life to the cause of foreign missions, but saw
no way in which her desire could be gratified. When she was
twenty-one years of age Dr. Douthwaite, who had known her
from childhood, asked her to be his wife, and join him in mis-
sion work in China, and thus her wish was realised.
As it was thought best for Dr. Douthwaite to precede her in
coming to China by a year or two, she entered at once upon
a special course of training to fit her for her future work. She
availed herself of the advantages of the Deaconesses' Institute,
at Mildmay, connected with the Church of England, and also
entered Guy's Hospital, in London, where she became an adept
at nursing the sick.
She was married to Dr. Douthwaite in Shanghai, in Feb-
ruary, 1875. Their first mission station was Shao-hing, in the
province of Cheh-kiang, Dr. Douthwaite having charge also of
the station established in the provincial capital at Hang-chau.
Mrs. Douthwaite's time while at Shao-hing was chiefly occupied
in learning the language.
In the year 1876, Dr. and Mrs. Douthwaite removed to the
city of Kiu-chau, in the south-west corner of the province of
Cheh-kiang, and about 300 miles from the coast.
Here they lived, most of the time alone, for four years. The
work was attended with many difficulties. I should be glad to
speak of it at length, would time permit. Mrs. Douthwaite,
with a capacity for physical and mental labour which seemed
almost to have no limit, a cheerfulness and buoyancy which rose
above all the trials and privations of her lot, a willing hand, a
sympathetic heart, a cool judgment, and unflinching purpose,
rendered the most efficient help to her husband ; and the work
and self-denial of those four years was followed by the most
happy results — ninety-one Christians having been received into
the Church on profession of their faith.
As the condition of Dr. Douthwaite's health required a change
to a more favourable climate, they removed in 1 880 to Wen-
chau, where they remained two years. As that climate proved
no less unfavourable, they were in 1883 assigned to Chefoo.
Of Mrs. Douthwaite's life in this place it is needless for me to
speak at length to you who knew her. She was always actively
and lovingly engaged in work for others, caring for the sick,
giving help to those who needed it, teaching in her day-school,
or assisting in the hospital, while no social gathering seemed
quite complete without her presence. It is not strange that she
was a favourite, both with foreigners and natives. In lur
manners she was genial and attractive, gentle, animated, and
self-possessed, and perfectly simple and natural. How much we
shall miss her ! And not least in this house, where, in leading
us in the praises of God, her whole soul seemed poured out
through the touch of her cunning fingers and her melodious and
sympathetic voice. With her varied gifts of body, mind, and
soul, her perfect phjsical health, and an almost youthful
exuberance of spirits, and a constantly growing experience and
fitness for her work, it seemed that the past was only a prelude to
a career of greater usefulness in the future. A dispensary for the
Chinese out-patients is now being constructed in Chefoo, with
one department for women, with which it was intended that
Mrs. Douthwaite should be connected.
It was in her visits to the day-school, or to some poor women
in Yen-tai, that she contracted the disease of which she died.
Do you ask why one so fitted for usefulness, and so needed
here, was taken from earth, to our view so prematurely ? God
does not give account of any of His matters to His creatures,
but He has given us the strongest reasons for the assurance that
what He does is right. His ways are not as our ways, nor His
thoughts as our thoughts, but they are better ways, and wiser,
higher, kinder thoughts than ours.
Perhaps we are not mistaken in supposing that she was being
fitted for a new career and wider usefulness, but it was for a
service nearer the Master, and in a higher and brighter world.
We remember the words of our Saviour, " Father, I will that
they whom Thou hast given Me be with Me where I am."
Perhaps the reason why so many who seem specially fitted for
usefulness on earth are mysteriously taken from us, is because
they are also specially fitted for heaven.
Thankful that we have known Mrs. Douthwaite on earth, let
us say, with perfect confidence in God's goodness and wisdom,
" The Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away. Blessed be the
name of the Lord." And may the memory of her life, and the
hope of meeting her again in our Father's house above, be
another link to draw us nearer God and heaven.
I have hitherto spoken only of Mrs. Douthwaire's outward
life. A sketch of what she was would be very imperfect without
reference to her inner life, of which the outward was only the
spontaneous expression. It was evident to all who knew her
that her life had its spring in vital union and communion with
God. She was devout, but not austere ; conscientious, but free
and joyous. Her piety was deep, but noiseless ; unobtrusive,
but all-pervasive. It was such as in a remaikable degree fitted
her for living in and mingling with the world, while at the same
time, distinct from and above it. It was sach as did not repel,
but attract. She was indeed a " living epistle," bright, cheering,
elevating. Her days as they passed began with cheerfulness
and song, were continued with joyous work, always happy, and
making others happy, and ended, as her life did, in peace.
When taken ill, she had a presentiment that she should not
recover. She was, however, perfectly resigned. When asked
only a short time before her death, "Are you happy?" she re-
plied, " Oh, so happy ! " When asked " Why ? " she said, " Jesus
is with me. He is always with me. He will never forsake
me." In speaking to her husband of their most happy married
life, she exclaimed, "Twelve beautiful years ! Twelve beauti-
ful years ! " She evidently meant happy years, pleasant in the
retrospect. In another sense they are beautiful years for us to
look upon. Twelve years of united work in Christ's service —
she almost a stranger to sickness or physical pain. Then came
three short weeks of pain and w-eakness — weeks in which she
was brought into closer sympathy and communion with Him
who was made perfect through suffering — and then ETERNITY
— for ever with the Lord.
Dear friends, how shall we who are left for a little time best
profit by the life and example which I have so imperfectly
sketched? As we desire that death should be gain to u-. we
must live in, for, and with Christ. Without and apart from Him,
life, happiness, worldly success are all a fleeting delusion. Oh,
to understand and appreciate rightly Christ — the glory of His
person, the perfection of His work, the fulness of Hisg!
To know the power of Ilis resurrection, the fellowship of His
sufferings, and to be made conformable to His death ! To have
that faith in Him by which, though dead, we shall live, and,
living and believing in Him, shall never die.
CHINA'S MILLIONS.
ii7
Irngrcsa hx S{m0-j)mg, Cjwjr-hibwg; |jr0fcrim
FROM MR. MEADOWS.
I HAVE again visited our out-stations in company with
the native pastor, and praise the Lord for all the
encouragement graciously vouchsafed to us.
We had a pleasant time at the different gatherings of
believers. We "broke bread " with two poor sisters in a
cottage near Tsong-ko-bu ; with twenty-five disciples at
Shing-hien ; with thirty-six at M6-ko ; twenty-two at
Sin-ch'ang; and forty at Yih-ko-chuen.
Our people have had, of late, many answers to their
united prayers. GOD has delivered men and women
from persecution, has kept brethren and sisters " sted-
fast and unmoveable '' under severe domestic affliction
and distress. The change of attitude on the part of
some in authority is an answer to prayer ; and so is the
addition to our numbers, in the midst of much clannish
opposition and hostility.
I wrote you of a poor woman at one of our out-stations,
" Dao-hong-san," whose husband has beaten her times
without number for attending the services. The preacher
dare not visit her, and no disciple, male or female, was
permitted to enter the house while her husband was at
home. A short time ago, he beat his poor wife so
severely, as to make even himself fear that he had gone
too far ; and he began to regret his violence. Whilst in
this state of mind, he was seized with a serious illness,
and was unable to rise from his bed or help himself.
" Now," thought he, "my wife will pay me back for my
ill-treatment. She will not attend to me, so I must do
the best I can for myself." This is the way a heathen
wife of any spirit would have treated him ; or, if she had
waited on him, it would probably have been with loud
murmuring and unkind words, so perpetually uttered in
his presence, as to make his illness more unbearable.
But, instead of this, our sister, who was slowly recover-
ing from his cruel treatment, did all she could to make
him comfortable ; and even used up her little savings to
buy him some delicacies. This was all done with such
Christian grace and patience, without one unkind word,
that the husband was astonished and began to think,
" There cannot be anything very bad in the religion of
Jesus, or my wife would not have acted in this manner
towards me." From that time he has given her full liberty
to attend the services.
A few days ago I met her. She looked very happy,
and when I told her that even foreigners in England and
Scotland had been praying for her and her husband, she
seemed very thankful, and asked me very earnestly to still
go on praying for her.
The church to which she belongs is quite aggressive
in its desires to spread a knowledge of the truth amongst
their countrymen. They have a good house given to
them rent free by a female member of our M6-ko
Church to preach the Gospel in. It is ten English miles
from their own place of meeting, yet they have, with the
help of a few native brethren, sent a man to this town,
and undertaken to find him twenty-four dollars a year
towards his support. This, with all their other contribu-
tions, is a good sum for a small and poor church of fifty-
six members only ; and I am thankful for the spirit it
exhibits.
The spiritual tone of some of these countrymen is also
quite refreshing to a missionary, who sees in the churches
much to discourage, as well as to encourage.
A tried old member of the above-mentioned church
said to me and the pastor, " If God had not deprived me
of my eyesight I should have lost eternal life. I should
now have been so absorbed in work, of which I am fond,
and in money-making, that I should have missed the
salvation of my soul." I also heard him talking to some
brethren later on, and saying, " When my neighbours
curse me now-a-days, I say to them, You are wasting your
breath, friends ; your words do not pain me in the least.
If your cursing can pain me, then I will admit your
worship of false gods to have some power in it."
Another old man, a very ignorant but honest creature,
spoke in such an intelligent way of the Spirit of God working
in the hearts of persecutors, and making a way of escape for
His disciples, as quite to astonish and delight me. The
face is, he had recently passed through some severe oppo-
sition, and came out of it so free from scars of any kind,
that the good old man could speak with authority on the
subject ; and he did us all good. He kept saying, " Only
pray hard and believe, and the Holy Spirit will make a
way of escape." These are tried members of our church,
not heathen receiving a mere transitory impression of
the truth. Transitory impressions we meet with almost
daily ; they have often been disappointing, and sometimes
disheartening.
Jfirst (feptrmtas.
THE following extract is from a letter from one of " The Hundred." It was written by one of the
-*- ladies who have gone out at their own expense, to join our happy band of workers in China. It
will be interesting, we think, to many of our readers. As it was written to Mrs. Hudson Taylor, with
no thought of further use, we do not publish the name of the writer.
YANG-CHAU, May lot/i.—l hardly know how to
begin to tell you about the goodness of the Lord,
since I left England. He has just loaded me with bless-
ing every step of the way. I never can praise Him
enough for the reality of His presence all through the
voyage. I did indeed find (and am still finding) JESUS
"a living, bright reality.'' He has kept me in perfect
peace, in a way I never knew in my life before.
n8
CHINA'S MILLIONS.
I do praise Him for all He taught me of Himself
during the voyage — all the new scenes and circum-
stances just seemed to reveal Jesus to me in such new
ways and with such freshness, as I proved His promises
to be true in every new circumstancer Every step made
Him more and more real to my soul, and His presence
did so fully satisfy !
The Lord was so good, ordering everything for us all
through the voyage. He kept us safe at Port Said, when
another vessel, the Rome, went on the sands ; and in the
Canal and Red Sea He gave us cool weather. He also
gave us grand times on board, and we could see Him
working in many souls : two, if not more, were saved on
the Mirzaporc, and many others were under deep con-
viction.
At Colombo He ordered that we went on board the
Deccan instead of the RoJiilla, and certainly that was of
the LORD ! The cabins and food were excellent, and
the captain and officers were most friendly. Between
Hongkong and Shanghai we had rather a severe storm,
and proved that the presence of Jesus could keep our
souls in peace.
But oh ! the joy of landing at Shanghai ! How shall
I express it? It seemed too good to be true. Do tell Mr.
Taylor the verse he gave me before I left England came
to me so vividly just before landing : " I will go before
thee and make the crooked places straight," and I felt
certain as I set foot in this land that He had gone be-
fore ! I claimed His promise afresh, and gave myself
afresh to be wholly His— on " His service " and at " His
command." I do feel it such an honour to have been
called out to witness for Jesus here.
Dear Miss Black and Mr. Stevenson gave us such a
warm welcome ; and as I went into the Mission House,
such a feeling of "home'' crept over me, and I did thank
the Lord for all the love and kindness that was shown
me there : I shall never forget it ! All feeling of loneli-
ness went in that atmosphere of "Home." I shall
always love that dear " Mission House."
I was a week at Shanghai, and then Mr. Stevenson
arranged for me to come on here. I cannot describe
my feelings as I came into this dear little house ; it all
seemed so much more blessed, and so far beyond any-
thing I ever dreamt of. I had such a warm welcome
again from dear Miss Murray, and to find myself in this
comfortable home-like little place, just made my heart
burst with praise. I was at home again at once, and just
felt that Miss Murray would be mother and sister in one.
I am proving already that GOD does give mothers and
sisters in China, I am so very very happy here, I have
such a comfortable, dear little room to myself — which I
have been arranging with all my things.
My first Sunday here I shall never forget. To see the
dear native Christians filling the dining-room for the
early prayer-meeting did my heart good. And when
again we met in the chapel at eleven o'clock, I never
shall forget that chapel, nearly full of eager faces — men,
women, and children from the school — all so quietly and
reverently sitting, drinking in every word that was spoken !
It was a sight I hope I shall never lose the impression of:
my heart seemed just to burst with joy on the one hand
to see those precious souls hungering and thirsting for the
" Bread of Life " ; and with grief too, that so many are
ready and longing for the " Water of Life," and still so few
labourers come out to point them to Jesus. I feel more
and more every moment I am in China, How can any
one help coming out to these thirsty souls ?
I cannot tell you how striking that Chinese service was
to me ; to see those dear people sitting in rapt attention
— not any attempt to disturb whatever — you might have
heard a pin drop. And oh ! as I watched the faces
of the dear native Christians, how I did realise as
never before, the wonderful power of the name of J i
who by His own power has delivered these souls from
heathen bondage ! But what struck me even more was
the " breaking of bread " at the end of service, when we
met with the dear Chinese in remembering the death of
JESUS ! It was so blessed ! The bond of union between
all His family — all redeemed by the same precious blood.
I got such a blessing to my soul, meeting with those dear
natives — and such a stir-up to my soul, too, to lay hold of
GOD for blessing in this place. I do praise the LORD for
sending me out more and more every day.
Skn-si |)rouincc.
FROM DR. WM. WILSON, OF HAN-CHUNG FU, TO HIS BROTHER.
WE are feeling every month more encouraged about the
work in connection with the hospital. The number
oi out-patients is generally sixty or seventy, and this six
days a week. Sometimes we have three spells of preach-
ing. I generally begin preaching, while Sie is seeing
some of the cases. Then after half an hour or more, I
set to work doctoring, while Mr. Hughesdon continues
preaching ; and sometimes Mr. Pearse has time also to
come along for a spell.
We have lately had two surgical cases which have
created a good deal of interest. Two days ago a poor
man left us, who a month ago came in all but stone-blind,
led by the hand. It was a case of cataract in both eyes.
I operated on one eye, and removed the cataract, and two
days later, when I removed the bandages, his first cry
was : " Thank Heaven, thank Earth, I can see, I can see ! '
Before he left he could actually read large print.
When he and his wife left us, we saw them to the front
door, and he, evidently rejoicing in his newly-acquired
sight, and wanting to show off, tripped down the steps
into the street, and then lingered a minute or so examin-
ing the tablets which adorn the front of the house, and
then off they set together. He will now be able to make
a living at his old occupation, selling straw sandals in the
street. His wife has listened very attentively to the
Gospel, and seems really, as far as she understand
believe. I hope they will continue to come about us, and
so learn more ; and that in his case, too, the inner eye
may become enlightened, and he may see CHRIST as his
Saviour. He is very deaf, so that he has not grasped the
truth as yet so plainly as his wife.
A fortnight ago an old woman left us who came to us
a month previously with a rapidly-growing tumour in her
cheek, which completely covered one eye and endangered
life by its tendency to profuse hemorrhage. Under
chloroform, we were enabled to remove it, and she left
us well, the wound all but healed up, with no disfigure-
ment. I think I mentioned her case to you in my last
letter ; how she was brought from her country home by
her husband and son, with donkey and dog. So often I
was reminded of Dr. Brown's touching story : " Rab
and his Friends." She had been a vegetarian for many
years ; while with us, hearing the Gospel so often, she
abandoned those views, seeing that to trust in such merit
< fay 1 Kutut'
China inland Mission Stations - -
Out-Stations
CHINA'S MILLIONS
119
was delusive. She lives not far from Shih-pah-li-p'u.
My wife goes down there to-morrow to take the mothers'
meeting, and then stay the night ; and will try to go on next
day to this old patient's home, where they have many
relations. I think she will have a splendid opportunity
there of preaching the Gospel ; and we pray that others
may be led to see the folly of idolatry, vegetarianism,
and all other man-invented schemes for obtaining for-
giveness, and may come to believe in Christ and be
His followers. I understand the son is getting a tablet
made to present to us in gratitude for benefit received.
(Slatr Citrmp farm S|;o:-sl
From Mr. D. E. HOSTE.
HUNG-T'UNG, April 2%th, 1887.— Since I last
wrote the conference here is over. Praise GOD,
it was a most memorable time. The fact that some 300
men and women were able, in peace and safety, to meet
for three days to worship God in Mid-China is, of itself,
a cause for great praise, and a sign that God is with His
people here. I just felt how your heart, and those of the
dear labourers at Pyrland Road, would have been filled,
with joy to see and join with us.
As you can imagine, it is not the easiest matter in the
world to house and feed such a number of men and
women, but in this important department the LORD'S
power was manifested, and things went with that smooth-
ness which God alone can produce. Dear Stanley was
wonderfully helped in arranging and directing matters,
and the LORD supplied "willing, skilful workers" for all
the various departments. The services themselves were
seasons of real power. Dear Mr. Hsi spoke with great
unction on the atonement of the Lord Jesus Christ ;
and on Sunday again at noon on the Lord's temptation.
The baptisms were on Saturday ; Mr. Bagnall bap-
tised fifty-two women. At about ten o'clock we began
baptising the men ; Mr. Hsi, S. P. Smith, and myself
dividing the 152 amongst us. In the morning S. P.
Smith and myself baptised ; in the afternoon, dear Mr.
Hsi, who had been fasting for a day or two previously,
baptised the remainder of the men.
Lord's Day was a day of blessing indeed ; perhaps
the most interesting part being
THE TESTIMONY MEETING
in the afternoon. It was opened by dear Orr Ewing rela-
ting briefly, through the interpretation of S. P. Smith, the
grace of the Lord amongst them up at T'ai-yuen Fu.
Hallelujah ! Dear Ewing is so bright and happy, and is
going ahead finely at the language. If it is the Lord's
will, we hope he will arrange to come down here and
stay with Mr. Hsi (who has taken a great liking to him,
praise God !) during the time we are up at T'ai-yuen Fu.
I am sure he will be a great blessing wherever he is.
DEACON HSU.
Then followed a most interesting account from a young
deacon named Hsu, who has just returned from T'ung-
liu Hien, where he has been working an opium-refuge.
The Lord has been preparing the hearts of the people
there for the Gospel ; there is a great spirit of interest
and readiness to hear the Word. He told us how one
day, when preaching on the streets, he was invited in by
the owner of a medicine shop, who became so impressed
by what Hsii told him, that of his own accord, when Hsu
was gone, he pulled down and destroyed his idols. He
now believes in the Lord and has been baptised. Praise
God!
fan lih-yu.
The most striking testimony of all was that of a man
named Fan Lih-yu, who lives in a village fifteen li to the
south-east of here. From childhood he had always been
careful and correct in his conduct, and as he grew older
the desire to attain to a high standard of virtue deepened
into a fixed longing. He resorted to the usual devices of
the human heart for attaining to this, and his name for
benevolence and well-doing spread through his imme-
diate neighbourhood. Though others praised him, the
Holy Spirit was deepening conviction of sin in his soul.
He decided " to leave the dusty world and cultivate the
practice of virtue." At this time he was a young man,
and his female relatives wouldn't hear of his taking this
step of becoming a recluse. A compromise was effected;
he consented to live with his wife and family till he
reached the age of thirty, when it was agreed he should
be free to leave all and become a hermit ; thus having
leisure to attend to the salvation of his soul.
Meanwhile he attached himself to one of the many
religious sects in this region, and continued to live a life
of great strictness. He had heard of the Gospel from
some of our brethren, who live in his village and the sur-
rounding neighbourhood, but appears to have been unin-
terested in what he heard.
Last year the news that there was in this city a place
where a doctrine, said to be very good in its teachings,
was being promulgated, reached his ears. Accordingly,
one Sunday last December, he came in and sat through
the service. Stanley Smith conducted it, and spoke on
the words of the Lord, " Except ye be converted, and
become as little children, ye shall in no wise enter into
the kingdom of God." The Holy Spirit sent the word
home into the man's heart, and next morning he came full
of eagerness to hear mo:e After some hours of conver-
sation with him, Stanley asked him if he was willing then
and there to receive the Lord Jesus Christ as his
Lord and Saviour. He said, Yes ! They knelt down,
and the matter was settled. Praise God !
Since then he has been growing in the knowledge of
the Lord, and was baptised at the conference. Now
comes the crowning blessing. He had been feeling that
baptism was a very solemn rite, and felt the deep respon-
sibility that rested upon him to devote himself wholly to
God and His service, and appears to have had a season
of consecrating himself fully to the Lord. Well, the
afternoon after his baptism, he, whilst sitting by himself,
received a most definite baptism of the Holy Spirit.
Naturally a very quiet, rather silent man, he now in his
village is preaching away and publishing the news of the
Gospel. As he walked home a carter offered him a lift,
which he accepted, and then preached the Gospel to the
kind carter, who then and there believed in the Lord.
The other Christians were alarmed at his manner, for
he did not eat or drink as before, and prayed and
preached much. They feared that he was under some
oppression of the devil ; on our getting the news yester-
day morning, we set out to the village, and I feel quite
sure that it is GOD'swork.
His manner is perfectly clear and collected, but there
120
CHINA'S MILLIONS.
is an intensity and earnestness, especially in his prayers,
that would convince much more sceptical people than
oneself. What is the most cheering feature of this case
is the simple, clear faith in a crucified Redeemer. Oh,
it is glory indeed, to see this dear man's joy and love,
and wonderful enlightenment in the things of GOD ! It
is just another call to preach the Gospel of Christ ; to
have faith in it as the power of God unto salvation. Ex-
pect to hear of mighty outbreaks in these parts. I feel
convinced that God's time has arrived.
FLOODS !
Well, on Monday morning dear Stanley Smith gave
us " Floods,'' by Mr. Radcliffe. I couldn't help wishing
Mr. Radcliffe could have been there, it would have filled
him with praise to God. I do not think I have ever
been in a more powerful meeting, and when at the close
dear Mr. Hsi led in prayer, and seemed to be literally all
aglow with prayer, one did feel it was an unspeakably
solemn thing to be permitted to have any share in the
great project which God has of saving souls from the
power of Satan.
Mr. Hsi asked and thanked for " Floods " ; he is look-
ing for thousands, and so are others of us, as I know you
have been for a long time. Praise the Lord ! IndteH,
there ought to be a stream of praise going up to GOD for
His wonderful woiks out here!
FROM THE DIARY OF MISS M. MURRAY.
WEDNESDAY, March 30//Z.— To-day we had the joy
of seeing two dear women baptised. We have long
prayed for them. The chapel was crowded to witness
their confession of Christ ; they were very brave and
not afraid, through grace given unto them. We have had
a good meeting with the Christians to-night ; several of
them were asked to choose a passage of Scripture that
they had been reading this morning, and read it aloud,
and explain it ; the remarks and prayer that followed
we trust will lead to more earnest and careful study of
God's Word.
Monday, 4I/1 April. — To-day two young men and two
girls belonging to the school were baptised. It was a very
solemn service ; many strangers listened attentively to the
Gospel. Some women remained with us afterwards.
Sabbath, \oth. — A very wet day, but notwithstanding
our two friends Ts'ang-nai-nai and Li-siao-tsei were with
us as usual. We had the communion with our Chinese
brethren and sisters ; it was a very precious time, so
quiet and solemn. Only one stranger came to our meet-
ing for the women ; it was too stormy for them to come
out. Our friends who had come in the morning stayed
with us all day, the two ladies all night. We Christians
had such a good time together this afternoon.
Monday, April i\th. — Some strangers came to the
meeting to-night, and listened very attentively ; one poor
girl, who has been beaten several times for coming, was
here again. May God save her. We expect He will.
Friday, 15///. — To-day we had the joy of seeing dear
Li-siao-tsei baptised. Her testimony was clear and plain.
Sabbath, May \st. — We had such a good time of prayer
with the dear native Christians to-day. We felt the
LORD was blessing us. The chapel was full ; we had an
inquirers' meeting after dinner, and two men and one
woman are accepted. A very wet afternoon, so that we
had only one or two outside women with us.
Tuesday, May yd. — This morning three men and one
woman were baptised, one man who had heard the Gos-
pel from Mr. Hudson Taylor years ago. He tells us he
has never worshipped idols since, though he has not had
the courage to be baptised till now.
Wed., 4th. — Kao-nai-na', the woman baptised yester-
day, has been turned out of her home, ; her husband and
friends are very angry. Fray for her. Our sisters, just
arrived, began study to-day. We are looking to God
that their teachers may be saved ; one of them is in-
terested : his wife was lately baptised.
Sabbath, May 8th. — A good day. A larger prayer-
meeting than we have yet had ; the chapel so full that we
had to take down the partition. Praise the LORD ! A
good many women came in the afternoon and listened
very attentively. In the evening the teacher before nien-
t'oned decided for Christ, and asked for baptism.
Thank God with us.
Wed., 1 \th. — Several women here this afternoon very
much interested in the Gospel. A number of men came
to the service to-night, and listened very attentively.
Thursday, 12th. — A great many visitors to-day ; in the
forenoon the Christians came for the Bible-class ; in the
afternoon we had strangers. About five o'clock Miss
Borroughes went out with me, and we had good times in
two houses. This is the night of our weekly conference
with the dear sisters in the other house ; we talk over the
work and spend some time in prayer. Our souls are
refreshed and cheered.
Sabbath, May 15///. — A good prayer-meeting with the
dear natives this morning, and afterwards, as we expected,
at the service the Word was given in the power of the
Holy GHOST. A meeting for inquirers was held in the
afternoon, and four men were accepted for baptism. One
is our water-man, another the husband of Chang-nai-nai,
lately baptised ; the others have been brought in through
the afternoon preaching in the chapel.
Tuesday, ijth. — This morning Chang-sien-seng (the
first of our teachers here converted) was baptised, also
the water man ; the other two men drew back at the last,
from the opposition they met with among their friends.
Pray for them, for us all.
Wed., ]Sth. — Last night these two men came to worship
with us again ; they are not willing to give up Chki>i\
thanks be to Him. Pray that their faith may be
strengthened. The work among the women is very
encouraging ; they arc learning to come more regularly
to Bible classes, etc.
SUribals anir gqmturcs.
On August \yh. — Mr. and Mrs. STOTT reached England,
for rest and change.
On August 25M, per F. and 0. steamer Bengal, Messrs.
J. J. Coi'T.THARn, W. J. Lewis, A. IIonni.E, J. O. CURNOW,
"A. II. Faers, I. F. Drysdale, IX J. Mills," James ADAM,
and Archibald Gracie left for China.
China's Millions
LI hung-ch'ang, china's greatest statesman.
JL fktr00p£Ct
BY J. HUDSON TAYLOR.
(Continued from page 71.)
N LANDING in Shanghai on March 1st, 1854, I found myself surrounded
with difficulties that were wholly unanticipated. A band of rebels, known
by the name of " the red turbans," had murdered the officials and taken
possession of the native city, against which was encamped an imperial
army of 40,000 or 50,000 men, who were a much greater source of discomfort
and danger to the little European community than were the rebels. Upon
landing, I was told that to live outside the settlement was impossible,
while within the settlement even apartments were scarcely obtainable at
any price. The dollar, now worth about 3s. 6d., had risen to 8s. Qd., and
the prospect for one with a small income of English money was dark
indeed. However, I had three letters of introduction ; and counted on counsel and
help, especially from one of those to whom I was commended, whose friends I knew
and highly valued. Of course I inquired at once for him ; but to learn that he had been
buried a month or two before, having died from fever during the time of my voyage.
Saddened by these tidings, I inquired for a missionary to whom one of my letters of intro-
duction was addressed, only to experience another disappointment, for he had left for
America. The third letter remained, but it was given me by a comparative stranger, and
I had consequently counted less upon it. It proved, however, to be God's channel of help.
The Rev. Dr. Medhurst, of the L.M.S., to whom it was addressed, introduced me to
Dr. Lockhart, who kindly allowed me to live with him for six months. Dr. Medhurst
procured for me my first Chinese teacher, and he, Dr. Edkins, and Mr. Wylie gave me
considerable help with the language.
OCTOBER, 1887.
122 CHINAS MILLIONS.
Those were troublous times, and times of danger indeed. Coming out of the city one day with
Mr. Wylie, he entered into conversation with two coolies, while we waited at the little East gate a
short time for a companion behind us. Before our companion came up, an attack upon the city from
the batteries on the opposite side of the river commenced, which led us to hurry away to a place of less
danger, the whiz of the balls being unpleasantly near. The coolies, unfortunately, stayed a little too
long and were struck. On reaching the settlement we stopped a few minutes to make a purchase, then
proceeded at once to the London Mission compound, where, at the door of the hospital, we found
the unfortunate coolies with whom Mr. Wylie had conversed, with their four ankles terribly shattered
by a cannon ball. The poor fellows declined amputation, and both died. We felt how narrow had
been our escape.
Early one morning I had joined one of the missionaries on his verandah to watch the battle
proceeding, perhaps three quarters of a mile distant, when a spent ball passed between us and buried
itself in the verandah wall. Another day my friend Mr. Wylie left his book on the table after lunch,
and returning in about five minutes for it, found the arm of the chair on which he had been seated
shot away ; but in the midst of these dangers God protected us.
After six months' stay with Dr. Lockhart, I rented a native house outside the settlement, and
commenced a little missionary work among my neighbours, which for a few months continued to be
practicable. Then the French joining the Imperialists in attacking the city, the position of my house
became so dangerous that for the last few weeks, from the nightly recurrence of attacks on or from
the city, I gave up attempting to sleep by night. One night, a fire appearing very near, I climbed on
to a little observatory I had on the roof of the house, to see whether it was necessary to attempt escape.
While there a ball struck the ridge of the roof on the opposite side of the quadrangle, showering
pieces of broken tile around me, the ball itself rolling down into the court below. It weighed four or
five pounds ; and had it come two or three inches higher, would probably have spent its force on me
instead of on the building. My dear mother kept the ball for many years. Shortly after this
incident I had to abandon the house and return to the foreign settlement ; and this movement was
made none too soon, for before the last of my effects were removed the house was burnt to the ground.
Journeying inland was contrary to treaty arrangements, and full of difficulty, especially for some
time after the battle of Muddyflat, in which an Anglo-American contingent of about 300 marines and
seamen, and a volunteer corps of perhaps 50 to 100 residents, attacked the Chinese imperial camps,
and drove away from 30,000 to 50,000 Chinese soldiers, the range of our shot and shell making the
native artillery useless. Still, in the autumn of 1854 a journey of perhaps a week's duration was
safely accomplished with Dr. Edkins, who of course did the speaking and preaching, while I was able
to help in the distribution of books.
A journey taken in the spring of the following year with the Rev. J. S. Burdon, of the C.M.S.,
now the Bishop of Victoria, Hong-Kong, was attended with greater danger. The account, which is
too long to insert here, is given from my journal, in China's Spiritual Need and Claims. During
that journey, after some time spent in evangelising on the island of Ts'ung-ming and on Hai-mun, to
the north of the Yang-tse river, we proceeded to Lang-shan ; where we attended an idolatrous festival,
preaching and giving books to thousands of devotees. From there we went on to T'ung-chau, where
we were seized by savage soldiery, who wished to behead us in the streets, though a few of them
thought it safer to take us first before the mandarins. As they could not agree about this, a fight
ensued, during which we were left unguarded to await the issue of their quarrel. Providentially
having a few Chinese visiting cards with me, the distribution of these among the crowd satisfied them
that we were indeed " foreign visitors," which our English dress and appearance had failed to do, and
turned the scale in our favour so far, that those who wished immediate decapitation were compelled by
the people to seek first the sanction of the authorities ; who, it is needless to say, delivered us from the
hands of our captors.
The trials of this early period it is scarcely possible to convey ; to one of sensitive nature, the
horrors and atrocities and miseries connected with war were a terrible ordeal. The embarrass-
ments of the times were very great ; with an income of £80, when I was compelled
to move into the settlement, I had to give ;£l20 rent, and of course to sub-let half the
house ; and though the committee of the Chinese Evangelisation Society, whose first agent I was,
increased my income when, after the arrival of Dr. Parker, they learned more of our circumstances,
many painful experiences had been passed through. Few can realise how trying to one so young and
inexperienced many of these things were, or the intense loneliness of the position of a pioneer who
could not even hint at many of his difficulties, as to do so would have been a tacit appeal for help.
CHINA'S MILLIONS.
I2 3
The great enemy is always ready with his oft-repeated suggestion, " All -these things are against
me." But oh, how false the suggestion ! The cold, and even the hunger, the watchings and sleep-
lessness of nights of danger, the exhaustive summer heat, and the feeling at times of utter isolation and
helplessness, were well and wisely chosen, and tenderly and lovingly measured out. What circum-
stances could have rendered the Word of God more sweet, the presence of God more real, the help of
God more precious ? They were times indeed of emptying and humbling, but were experiences that
made not ashamed, and that strengthened purpose to go forward as God might direct, with His proved
promise, " I will not fail thee, nor forsake thee." One can see even now that " as for God, His way is
perfect;" and yet can rejoice that the missionary path to-day is comparatively a smooth and easy one.
{To be continued.)
t tfamrg Uta's Ptbmnarg Emitting ^mm.
FROM REV. F. W. BALLER.
GAN-K'ING, May Jth. — You will be extremely glad
to learn that so far the Training Home has been a
success. The Lord has heard the many prayers offered,
both at home and out here, and has blessed us together
in a very special manner. I much doubt if a happier
family is to be found anywhere than we have here in Gan-
k'ing. The brethren pair off well, and a spirit of mutual
respect, appreciation, and love has been poured out upon
us. For this we do indeed praise the Lord, as well as
for the favour He has given me with them. We are as
though we had known each other for years ; and all feel
that, though they are here for study, they are studying at
home.
In regard to study, they are working as diligently and
faithfully as any one could desire. I have a class with
them every morning from nine till ten o'clock, and they
study with their teachers or by themselves during the
rest of the day. Two share the one teacher, each one
thus having half a day in which to work up what he has
got from the teacher during the other half. On Saturday
morning we have revision, when each one writes his
lesson and translates what I give them. In this way we
gather up the last week's work, and are able to gauge
pretty accurately where each one is. This takes the whole
of Saturday morning from nine till twelve, and in the
afternoon they have a holiday. This afternoon they hope
to visit some villages a short distance away with tracts,
and try and air a little of what they have learnt.
The Bible Christians have surely been guided of God
in the choice of men. The four they now have in the
field are good pioneers and will be helps and blessings to
any who may come after to join them.
I am persuaded that having the men together to study
and to learn to work is a good thing. We can see their
capabilities, study their characters, and also train them
into habits of diligence. Each one will, I hope, leave
here with an instructed conscience as to the profitable use
of his time, and as to the fact that he is to labour and not
to loiter out here. Give us good men, even if deficient
in outward polish, and we will do our best to set them
a-going for God when they reach here. Many a good
man has been spoiled for the want of a little timely help
at the start. How often we need to remind ourselves
that we are not our own, that health, strength, money,
time, and all else are given to us to use for others. Our
religion does not terminate with ourselves.
We shall greatly value your prayers for us here. We do
want to so live as to bless these beloved brethren. They
will either be hindered or helped by their stay with us.
%\t <$nglrs|r Girls' 3t^aal
A LETTER FROM MISS KNIGHT TO MRS. HUDSON TAYLOR.
CHEFOO, July 8th.— I want to write and tell you our
impressions of the school-work here, as I feel sure
the readers of China's Millions will like to know how
it strikes new-comers, and what a real, true bit of labour
for the Master it is ; and also of the way in which Miss
Seed and Miss Whitchurch have succeeded in accom-
plishing their arduous task. I feel my labour to be
appreciably lightened by the splendid management and
conscientious rule of my predecessor. At present there
are fifteen girls, all boarders, ranging in age from six to
eighteen, and all profess to have given themselves to
Christ. Is not that a cause for thankfulness ? After the
rains we expect two or three more little pupils, day-
scholars ; and a new wing having just been built to the
school-house, we have room for at least fifteen more
boarders.
Everything in the house is in the nicest order, and the
children look so happy and well-cared for it does one's
heart good to see them. The course of study comprises
the usual subjects taught in a high-class English school,
and the results at the recent examination were most
encouraging.
Children in China are generally rather behind their
sisters at home, in the matter of study ; and therefore it
124
CHINA'S MILLIONS.
seems all the more noteworthy to find one or two, who
have come to the school at an early age, doing quite as
much as a child of equal years at home, and even some,
who at the age of nine could barely read, now passing a
very good examination ! Truly Miss Seed is to be con-
gratulated on the very evident blessing which has rested,
and still rests upon her work.
Just now I am studying colloquial Chinese so as to be
able to manage our household affairs, but at the end of
this month (July) we expect to take up the work definitely,
while Miss Seed and Miss Whitchurch will be making
preparations for going on into the province of Shan-si,
where their future work will lie.
This is a lovely place ; the house faces the sea (which
is quite close), and is flanked by mountains, which are
terraced a third of the way up and planted with various
kinds of vegetable "food stuffs." That it is healthy, every-
body knows, but perhaps even you are not aware of what
Dr. Douthwaite told me the other day, viz., that he had
never had a case of illness in the girls' school.
We do feel so thankful for everything, and are praying
that no child that ever may come into the school shall go
out unsaved. You know the promise — " If two of you
shall agree," etc. Well, that is the promise we rest on,
and it has never yet failed us.
Miss Ellis joins me in loving greetings.
(§{atr SKfoiiigs font Sjnm-si.
FROM MR. STANLEY P. SMITH,
MAY ist, 1887. — You will rejoice to hear of the good
news of over 200 baptisms ; but you will not be
surprised. GOD, who has in such an extraordinary way
opened up China, will certainly work in an extraordinary
way. And how one's heart just wells up in praise to
God in knowing that the precious name of Jesus is being
glorified. God "has both glorified it, and will glotify it
again ;'' for the Father delights as much in glorifying
the Son as the Son does the FATHER.
Dear Mr. Hsi, with his good wife, are to be in charge
of Hung-t'ung in two days' time. Mr. Hsi is already
there, and Mrs. Hsi will be there (D.V.)the day after to-
morrow. I feel such rest in leaving the place in GOD'S
hands and dear Mr. Hsi's — he is a blessed servant of
God, who "put no difference between them and us, puri-
fying their hearts by faith.''
I do thank God for sending D. E. Hoste to Hung-t'ung;
I believe it has been a mutual blessing, and most dis-
tinctly of the Lord, his coming.
The Lord is making me to think of "other regions
also.'' Although I like to look upon Hung-t'ung as head-
quarters, of course " tsai t'ien shih wo chia" (Heaven is
my home). I told Mr. Hsi, '■ I have not got this place
for myself, but for the Chinese." Already we are getting
a good missionary spirit into the church. I make allusion
to the subject in pretty well every address I give.
I believe it is of the LORD for us to reach the north of
Ho-NAN from Hung-t'ung by way of Lu-gan Fu and
Tseh-chau Fu. I mean the Ho-NAN south of the Yellow
River, not the little bit north of it.
The time has not yet arrived, but it may be of the
LORD, that after the next half-yearly conference at Hung-
t'ung, I should leave Hung-t'ung in the hands of dear Mr.
Hsi, and Hoste and I go off for some months to the
Lu-gan Fu district. We can get good, efficient native
workers, I believe, with God's blessing, to almost any
extent needed.
There is plenty of room from P'ing-yang to the south
and south-west for another separately-worked mission
district.
You know the lines we are on in Hung-t'ung are
thoroughly Chinese, and no definite fixed salary to native
workers.
Mr. Hoste is sending an account of a convert brought
to the Lord late in last year to " Divine Life * : he was
baptised last Saturday week at Hung-t'ung. and since then
has got a definite filling of the Spirit, Hallelujah! If the
Lord be so pleased, I should be glad for him to accom-
pany me to Lu-gan Fu next September.
The last great gathering was indeed a blessed time.
Mr. Bagnall baptised the women, and Hoste, Mr. Hsi,
and myself the men. The last morning I gave an
address— the only one I gave — on " Floods" based on
dear Mr. Reginald Radcliffe's texts, which, thank GOD, I
see you put in the Chinese Recorder. You can imagine
the surroundings and the theme were of the sort to make
one's soul go out in speaking ! I shall not soon forget
dear Mr. Hsi's prayer when I had finished.
Pray for us, dear Mr. Taylor, that we may get much
lower before GOD. I often have thought of your words
of emptying and filling. How unspeakable are the attri-
butes and characteristics of God — none more so than His
humility and condescension.
Thank God, He will use weak ones, stupid ones,
stumbling ones, for such we know ourselves to be, and
such are the dear native workers He is using.
T'ai-yuai, May jth, 1887. — I think it worth while, dear
Mr. Taylor, just to add a line on arriving here ; we had
a most blessed journey, and grand opportunities on the
way up of scattering very many tracts and preaching the
Gospel.
the cry for workers.
You have no idea how the people listened to the tidings
of a Saviour — a God who can save ; — but oh, for workers
up on that T'ai-yuen plain ! Kiai-hiu Hien, P'ing-yao
Hien, Ch'i-Hien, all big towns -P'ing-yao very big ; and
not one witness for Jesus ! No one to point them to the
Lamb of God that taketh away the sin of the world !
No one to publish the momentous fact that God has made
peace with the world through the blood of His SON, and
if they will believe they can now have peace with God !
But HOW shall they hear without a preacher?
O GOD, scatter Thy children at home ! Give them,
O God, such a look at Christ crucified that they shall
become — in a deep sense those whom Thou dost love —
" cheerful givers."
" Cod loveth a cheerful giver.' - Loves them for it is
the Spirit of His Son in them that makes them such :
loves them because such are in sweet accord with His
own most gracious character. The generous God
delights in the generous, and He that gave His only-
begotten Son loves the cheerful giver.
My soul is burdened as I think of those towns, full of
iniquity and destitute of GOD.
( » Christians, with talents, wealth, time at disposal.
God s gifts to you back into His royal treasury. What
deep, what whelming need ! Here we speak not of a
country's but of a world's famine.
CHINAS MILLIONS.
"5
A subscription list has been opened, the donors' names
are to appear not in the world's records, but heaven's
archives. Let us look into that list : we see that He who
"stands by the Treasury" is the first Donor. What is
His donation ?
Is it some large sum to be spent in rearing gorgeous
fabrics that shall be notable to all time— not for the num-
ber of souls that have therein found GOD, but notable for
their perfect symmetry, their massive columns, their lofty
pinnacles, their noble arches, their decorated windows, for
gorgeous ritual and pompous music? Or did this first
DONOR, in order to relieve the sufferers, give large sums
into the treasury to be spent in rearing vast educational
establishments, that men might by the husks of education
stay the famine-pangs of stricken souls ?
No ! Not thus does this Donor compassionate the
souls of men.
We look at the record, and we see no single name,
but words of Scripture, from which we select the fol-
lowing : —
"The bread that I give is my flesh, which I give for the
life of the world."
"CHRIST suffered that He might bring us to GOD."
" He loved me, and gave HIMSELF for me."
Be it yours, reader, and mine to tread in His steps.
FROM MR. D. E. HOSTE,
Tai-yuen Fu, May 8/h. — We reached here on the even-
ing of Friday, the 6th May, having, through the grace of
God, had a journey of much blessing.
NEEDS OF THE UNREACHED.
As we passed up the plain we had grand times of tract-
distributing and preaching; but, oh, what a mockery it
seemed to tell a poor fellow, who asked about breaking off
opium, that there was no place nearer than 160 to 200///
We found willing listeners everywhere ; but how one's
heart ached as we felt there was not a single man who
was caring for these souls, and then thought of streets at
home packed with churches, chapels, mission-halls, meet-
ing-houses, coffee houses, and institutions of all kinds ;
and positively not even a room in which a work was going
on in whole, vast cities. May GOD rouse the church at
home further, and make them remember the masses ; it is
iust awful !
May a gracious GOD fit one for His service ! How
He must be longing for anybody whom He can pick
up to satisfy His great heart of love, in gathering in
multitudes of the lost. One feels one has scarcely got a
glimmer of John iii. 16 : " GOD so loved the world," etc.
What an infinitely solemn and important matter GOD
must have regarded the salvation of souls as being — He
gave up His only Son ; and one catches one's self doubt-
ing whether one can give up some little comfort for the
same object ! May the God of all grace enable us to
please Him.
CHEER AT T'AI-YUEN.
Our friends here are full of joy in seeing the sprouts of
life ; yes, praise be to God, the work has really begun.
It was touching to see two or three dear fellows weeping
as Sturman left ; and the Baptist brethren have been
getting blessing too, and we are looking to the LORD to
make them " flames of fire." How God must be longing
to do it, as He looks down upon the vast, unfed multitudes !
We did sing Hallelujah ! as we heard of the farewell
meetings of twenty-five of the hundred, and heard grand
news of the first four dear fellows, who appear to be going
ahead tremendously.
Mr. Smith will, I expect, have been telling you of the
Lord's work in Lu-gan Fu, and our hope that he may
go down there next autumn for a month or two, if it be
the Master's will. I would ask special prayer that the
power of God may rest mightily on him on this expedi-
tion, and so Satan's kingdom may be mightily shaken.
It has been a great pleasure meeting Mr. Horobin ; he
seems a dear servant of the LORD, and is now, thank God,
in good health. You will hear about Mr. Sturman from
others ; he has been much blessed, and made a blessing,
in this city. Praise God !
fetitrarng at
tairfc.
Given in Shanghai, May, 1887.
" T T E that believeth on the Son of God hath the wit-
n ness in himself." I have often heard one man
say of another who has been discussing a subject — " Oh,
he does not know what he has been talking about." Now,
I want to tell you something about which I know a good
deal, for it is an experience of my own.
Ten years ago, when I was a schoolboy, I first realised
the Lord Jesus Christ as my personal Saviour from
the sins I had committed. I realised that He had died
to wash my sins away, I accepted His salvation, but there
I stopped. I did not recognise that He was to be my
Keeper, that He was to be my Saviour from sin, present
and future. No, I just accepted His salvation as a free
gift, and then went on trying to keep myself. I tried to
live better ; but I was only trying in my own strength, and
I failed.
It was not long before I was trying to live both
for God and mammon, to have all the advantages of
the sacrifice of the Lord Jesus Christ, and yet not
willing to confess Him before my fellow men, nor to do any-
thing for Him. I tried to get all the pleasure I could out
of the world, and to rest happy that my sins had been
forgiven. As a Christian I felt that there were some
things that I ought not to do, and yet I had not strength
to resist temptation when it came, because I was not look-
ing to Jesus.
About four years ago, I started in life, as men say. It
had always been my ambition to go to the Bar, and so I
began to read law. I had only been reading for a few
months when I was overtaken by a very serious illness —
an illness that had laid me on what, for some time, seemed
to be my death-bed. Then it was I began to think of
my past life, and I could not but see that it had been
very unsatisfactory and full of ingratitude to God. I
made resolutions, that, if God would raise me up, I would
live a better life and begin to do some Christian work.
But they were resolutions with reservations — / was not
prepared to live entirely for God.
In His infinite mercy GOD did raise me up, and I did
begin to do a little Christian work ; but it was very little,
done fitfully, and left undone when any small excuse
offered. I went back to work at law, but I got ill again,
and had to leave England for a time. I returned after a
few months with fresh vigour to work, and settle down
126
CHINAS MILLIONS.
this time really for good, I thought ; and after eighteen
months' hard work I began to look forward to doing
something in my profession. However, last October, I
was again overtaken by illness, and- was ordered to go
away to Australia for the winter. I felt very despondent :
it seemed as if I was never going to get on.
At this time it was suggested to me that possibly I was
not intended for the Bar. This suggestion, however, did
not please me, as I was quite set on it ; and I went away,
hoping to get back to England in the spring, well, and
equal to work at my profession. I spent four months in
Australia, and was just starting again for home, when I
got a letter from my brother [Mr. C. T. Studd] here, say-
ing that if I would return by China he would come down
to within a reasonable distance of the coast and see me.
Right glad I was to get that letter, for I wanted to see
my brother ; I had not seen him for two years and a half,
and I was not likely to meet him again for years. As I was
getting near Shanghai, I began to think to myself I won't
stay very long in China : my brother is so keen about
missionary work, he will, perhaps, be persuading me to
stay and go inland with him : and I did not want that.
I arrived at Shanghai about ten days ago (on May 19th),
and found to my surprise that my brother had come here
to meet me. When it was suggested that I should stay
with my brother at the Inland Mission House, I was
somewhat alarmed ; for I was afraid of being thrown too
freely into the society of such earnest Christian workers.
I did not know what they might not want me to do, and
I was afraid of being identified too much with Christians
by men of the world. Yes, I liked the good opinion of
men ; and the world does not like much real religion.
Religion is tabooed even as a subject of conversation : it
throws, I suppose, too strong a light on men's lives, and,
as the Bible says, " Men love darkness rather than light,
because their deeds are evil."
For the first day or two it was all right, though I could
not help noticing the calm and the peace amongst the
people with whom I was living. No troubles or difficulties
seemed really to bother them. They had their trials and
difficulties, but these did not seem to burden them.
With me it was quite different : I was sometimes vexed
and troubled by small petty things. I asked the secret
of this peace, and was told, "Oh, whenever we have a
difficulty we lay it definitely before the LORD in prayer,
and He always does according to His promise : — ' Cast
thy burden upon the Lord and He shall sustain thee.' "
That was all very well, but I did not understand it. I
believed in prayer, but I knew nothing of it as such a
power in everything.
Unconsciously I began to wish that I might have this
peace, this settled calm. I knew I had not got it myself,
and I saw that it was something worth having. I began
to ask how I might get it, and was told to submit myself
entirely to the Lord Jesus, and trust Him for everything.
I did not feel I could do that : I did not want to submit
myself wholly. I didn't know what it might lead to ; it
might lead to my going to missionary work in China, and
I didn't want to do that, as I was determined to go home
and go back to the Bar. I then heard there were to be
some revival meetings in Shanghai, and that made me
quite determined to go away at once. I thought they
might want me to take part in them, which I was afraid
to do; so I took my passage in the Japan Mail starting
on Friday last.
However, I began to feel such a craving, such 3
hungering for this peace, that I made up my mind,
at all costs, that I must have it ; and after much prayer /
surrendered myself to the Lord Jesus, trusting that He
would make my will His own. That was on Wednesday ;
and since that time I have had such peace, such joy in
my soul, that I can't express it in words. I know it has
made me feel altogether a different creature, and really,
last Thursday and Friday, I could scarcely believe that I
was not in a trance, that I should not suddenly wake up
the old self ; but no, thank God ! it is no trance, but just
this, the Lord Jesus Christ is my Keeper. He kept
me then, He keeps me now, and He will continue to
keep, I know, so long as I trust Him. I felt that I must
confess before men what the Lord Jesus had done for
me, and I don't hesitate to say I was frightened at that ;
standing up and confessing before men that I was on the
Lord's side. My stumbling-block through life had been
fear of man. I liked to stand well with my fellow-men ;
to be applauded by them ; to have a good reputation ;
and I had always been afraid of being too religious, lest
men should sneer and give me the cold shoulder ; and,
oh ! I couldn't stand that.
I still felt the fear of man, but I was trusting Jesus for
everything, and so I just trusted Him to take that away
from me and make me boldly confess Him. Thank GOD !
He did answer my prayer, and I did confess on the plat-
form on Thursday night in a few words what I had been,
and what the LORD JESUS had now done for me.
I was still going away by the Japan Mail next day ; I
was quite sure of that. But my first thought on Friday
morning, even before I was half awake, was just this —
You confessed last night that you had been a coward in
the past, but henceforth you were going to stand up for
Jesus, and now isn't it just like firing the first shot in the
battle and then running away to shelter, if you go
away to-day instead of waiting for those meetings? I
could not go away then. At once I went and got my
passage transferred, and I am staying on here to tell out
the story of God's love to me.
Now, I have not told you all this long story about my
past life because I like talking about myself, or because I
want to hold myself up as a good example to you, God
forbid. You will admit it is not a nice thing to have to
confess to cowardice. I feel I must testify to the infinite
mercy and wondrous grace of God to me. It may be
there are some here now who are in the same position as
I was, afraid to come right out on the Lord's side, be-
cause they fear what the world will say, what their friends
will say — in fact, because they fear man rather than
God ; and this, too, after having come to Jesus for the
forgiveness of their sins and having accepted from Him
salvation as a free gift. Surely this is cowardice indeed.
You may say, I can't overcome this fear of man ; no, I
don't suppose you can, in your own strength. I know I
couldn't ; but if you trust the Lord Jesus in this thing,
He will overcome it for you. His strength will be made
perfect in your weakness, if you will put yourself unre-
servedly into His hands. Oh ! I wish I could make you
believe what real joy and real peace you can find in
JESUS if you only trust Him fully. The Christian's life
is not an unhappy one then. I can now understand, what
I never could fully before, the self-denial of my brother
and others who have given up home and comforts in
order to preach the Gospel in China, and to live as China-
men. Why, I see now it is truly their greatest pleasure
to tell of the Love of JESUS, to be always on His service
— it is no hardship to them — they have given up a sham
that they might obtain a reality. Their sole aim now,
and I pray GOD that mine may be for the future, is to be
telling of the love of the LORD Jesus, and of the salva-
tion which He is offering to every man who will only
believe. Don't let any one here now refuse that salvation
because he is afraid of what his fellow-men will say. Do
trust Jesus, and trust Him fully.
" O taste and see that the Lord is good ;
blessed is the man that TRUSTETH in Him.'
CHINAS MILLIONS.
127
128
CHINA'S MILLIONS.
& Jfirst Stgljt of $tocrktrg.
FROM MISS M. FORTH.
YANG-CHAU, June 12th, 1887.— A short time ago,
with a heart brimming over with joy, I sat down to
write ycu. Joy in the loving leading of our Heavenly
Father, for surely goodness and mercy have followed us
every step of our journey. All the way the precious
Saviour Himself was " a living bright Reality," coming
into our heaits and fining the void made by the absence
of dear ones with His own loved presence. This was
the case not only with ourselves, but many whojourneyed
with us found this true also.
Our passage was almost perfect, and now at last He
who "bringeth them to their desired haven " has brought
us safely to the land of His choice, and given us a truly
Bethany home. We can do nothing else but praise Him,
our King ; and also pray that these unworthy lives may
more than ever glorify Him who hath so loved us.
A PROCESSION.
But just now my heart seems wrung with sorrow, for —
" How can we count as nothing
" What grieves our Saviour so."
I have been gazing on what I suppose is an every-day
sight in Yang-chau, but what I have seen to-night only
for the first time — an idol procession. On and on the
people thronged ; some bearing aloft huge Chinese
lanterns, followed by priests carrying incense. Behind
these came men holding on high lanterns of another de-
scription, followed by a car gorgeously decorated, inside
which were a number of gods. Slowly the stream swept
on until it halted just before our house. Here the men
stopped to take rest, for the night was hot and their
burden heavy ; and what was their burden ? A huge
hand-car, brilliantly painted, heavily decorated, and illu-
minated with variously coloured lanterns, containing four
girls ofabout twelve years of age, standing, for there was
no room for them to sit. Poor little things ! they looked
to be quite weighed down with all descriptions of im-
aginable and unimaginable finery, and seemed, in the
dusky light, to be, oh, so weary.
The men raised their burden, and on and on the people
thronged, amid the sounds of gongs, clashing cymbals,
and the hoarse shouts of the crowd ; and one wondered
when the stream would end. For more than half an-
hour they poured along thus, and as they crowded on, one
thought of the other road, along which they were throng-
ing — yes, going in droves to hell, and no one careth for
their souls. Oh, it seems awful !
We see this picture ; then another rises before our
view — that of our crowded churches, chapels., and con-
ference halls at home ; and of those who every Sabbath
day wind their way to their comfortable place of worship,
into their cosily-cushioned pew; some, alas! even to
be drugged with the doctrine that Buddhism is as effica-
cious and good for the Chinaman as Protestantism for
the Englishman ! Oh, to these we would cry, " Come out
here, and see for yourselves." What a difference between
extinguishing all personal longings and desires, and having
them all fulfilled even to the " exceeding abundantly " in
Christ Jesus our Lord ; between extinguishing all per-
sonal traits of character, and surrendering them to God,
to be purified, intensified, and ennobled ; between the un-
disturbed sleep, when man loses all desires, ambitions,
and affections, and is out of the reach of pain or pleasure
— which is their culminating point of bliss — and " the
lively hope " unto which we are begotten " again by the
resurrection of Christ from the dead, to an inheritance
incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away ! "
Oh, how one's heart aches for these poor people !
Surely it maybe said of each one, " He feedeth on ashes ;
a deceived heart hath turned him aside." In this city
alone, with a population of 360,000 inhabitants, there are
five thousand opium dens, and not one opium refuge !
something like a thousand temples and only one Protes-
tant chapel ! One of these temples is said to contain
10,000 idols !
Oh, that some of God's own dear children may be led
to give themselves, spirit, soul, and body, to extend the
kingdom of their Redeemer — the One who bought them
w ith His blood — to be disposed of as He sees best for the
extension of His glory, and the hastening of His chariot-
wheels.
ENCOURAGMENTS.
Some aspects of the work here are very encourag-
ing. On Sunday morning there are usually between
sixty and seventy here. The church has forty members,
and we are praying for many more this month. Some
time ago some friends here began praying that God
would give them fifty souls by the end of June ; they have
had nearly thirty, and now we are praying for the rest.
I so often think of that happy fortnight I spent in
London ; but though happy then, I am far, far happier
now. Praise the Lord! This is our song, is it not?
Oh, for a whole eternity in which to praise Him, our
KING. The devil is very, very busy in our hearts; "but
with such a Captain we are sure to win."
(Saincrs h\j> (Sifeing to % JCorti.
FROM MR. M. IVALK'ER.
WU-CHANG, June 30///. — Nearly two years have
passed away since 1 left England, and I can truly
look back with deep gratitude to our heavenly FATHER.
Life in China is very different to what I expected to find
it ; I thought all my brothers and loved friends were left
behind in dear old England, but oh, the joy and happiness
to find so many warm, loving hearts, filled with the love
of Christ, ready to give a brother or sister a loving hand
and helpful sympathy. I doubt if my own brothers could
have been more kind and brotherly than some of our
friends in China have been. Yes, it is true, the promise
is fulfilled, we do not lose by giving to the Lord, but are
gainers.
The first few months were spent in Gan-k'ing— very
happy months— and then came a time of weakness and
trial upon a bed of sickness for some weeks, after which
I went to Shanghai, and later to Chefoo. .Mercies fol-
lowed me all the way, and, with restored health, I returned
to Shanghai, desiring to go back to Gan-k'ing, but it
pleased GOD to order my steps to this place.
CHINA'S MILLIONS.
129
Clje |pimtr of % $frrrb iit |fo-natt.
/7?6>J/ AW. SUMMON.
SHE-K'I-TIEN, /«/?£• ■zotk.— On the day that we
came to terms about this house, I had in my daily
portion a precious promise : " He shall open and none
shall shut." I took it as a promise to me concerning the
house, and it has proved to be so. After removing', I
found that the house was built on ground belonging to an
opponent, and soon the storm of opposition became
pretty severe.
My landlord had to stand a good deal of trial and
persecution, and more than once he seemed on the point
of yielding, saying, that if we were going to stay on, we
should need to get a proclamation issued, as all his
neighbours were against him, threatening to take both
him and us to the court at Pekin. We prayed that he
might hold firm, confident that the storm would die
away, and it did so sooner than I expected. One of the
women in Wong's household took opium, and she was so
far gone that native medicine was no use. They sent
for me, and praying GOD to prosper me, I went, and
was enabled to save her life. This, seemingly, has put a
stop to the persecution. Praise GOD. This is the second
time the Lord has enabled me to help our persecutors.
The work here continued to prosper while I was away.
I feared that the young converts would fall back during my
absence, but God has rebuked my small faith, and taught
me that He who is mighty to save is also mighty to keep.
Blessed be His name ! Not only had they been enabled
to hold fast what they had, but also to press forward
after more ; their testimony had been blessed to the con-
version of others, and they had carried the glad news
into other villages, in three of which there are now
inquirers, and perhaps converts.
The testimony of a dear child, only nine years old, has
been much blessed. During the New Year festivities
neither threats nor promises could induce him to partake
of the meats offered to idols. " No," he said, "these belong
to idols, I belong to Jesus." And to the wonder of
many, he fasts all the forepart of the day on the Sabbath,
the answer with which he meets every objection
being, " Teacher did it." The neighbours say this is
none other than the work of God, for man could not so
influence a child. And I say, Amen, hallelujah !
>i-rjntm Jjrobinic.
FROM MRS. HERBERT PARRY.
YOU will be glad to know we are all well and happy.
The Lord has greatly prospered us on our way,
and now we have nearly reached Chung-k'ing — we expect
to get in to-night. We left I-chang, April 25th, and up
to the last week have had beautiful weather. This week
the rain has delayed us a little, but we are very glad to
feel cool again.
Our boat cuts along so quickly ; it is long and of rather
slender build, and it is quite amusing to see how we over-
take other bigger boats, and how much better we seem to
cross the rapids. The most serious accident we have had
occurred yesterday, when in crossing a rapid the rope
broke, and we were carried by the current into a sort of
whirlpool, and our boat lurched over on its side till water
came in at the window. Our fire was upset and one or
two things broken, but nothing more serious occurred.
A week or so past, we ran on to a rock and had the
door and side of our boat knocked in, and the foot-board
smashed, but it only took an hour or so to get mended
up, so we have had very little delay of any kind.
From Sha-shi" to I-chang only took us three and
a half days. At I-chang we met some missionaries
who left for Chung-k'ing a day before we did. They have
a large house-boat. After a few days we overtook them,
and got some distance ahead. Then last Saturday we
met again, and putting in at night at the same place they
came on board to see us.
It was a pleasant change to meet them, and they told
us some of their experiences. Their rope had broken six
times, and once it had been quite serious, so much so, that
the water poured in at their windows, their luggage tossed
over to one side, and many things smashed, while they
prepared to make their escape through the window.
When we heard this it made us feel all the more thankful
to our Heavenly Father for all His care of us and our
little boat.
What beautiful scenery it is all along ! We have had
some lovely walks, and have found quite a number of
maiden-hair ferns growing wild.
May lyh. — We arrived at Chung-k'ing about an hour
before our American friends. Towards the close of the day
Mr. C. Polhill-Turner found us out, and came on board.
It was so nice to meet one of our friends, especially as
my husband had met him in England.
You will be glad to know our little treasures are well,
and growing rapidly. They are getting into such funny
ways of their own.
Jx0in % gtarjr rrf litis* Sag.
A VISIT TO TSING-KIANG-P'U.
Monday. — Miss Murray and I left Yang-cbau for
a trip to Tsing-kiang-p'u, hoping to spend several weeks
there to give the women of that place the Gospel, and on
our way back to visit some places on the canal. We are
so thankful to have this privilege ; it is such a joy to speak
for our King, even though in broken sentences. He who
could increase the five loaves can use even our words
to bring life to these dead ones.
i3°
CHINAS MILLIONS.
A YOUNG CHINESE WORKER.
Friday. — Did not get off till past noon. It was so
good of the Lord to give us this little delay, for our boy
was able to go out and sell a large number of Gospel
portions and tell many of Jesus ; he also sent some
women to the boat, and we were helped in telling them
the way of salvation, we felt it such a blessed opportu-
nity. In the evening Ts'ang-tsi had another deeply in-
teresting time with the boatmen. I noticed that the old
man of the boat seemed hovering about the dear boy
during the day, and in the evening he called him and
asked some questions about the Gospel. Ts'ang-tsi did
not immediately go, but said, " Do you want this doc-
trine?" "Yes," he replied. "Do you want it in your
heart ?'' "Yes, I do," said the man ; so taking his Testa-
ment he went out to them, and I shall not forget how
good it was to hear him explaining John iii., verse by
verse, and saying such plain, earnest words. He said,
" You know the Lord Jesus died for you, and He wants
to save you now, to-day ; if I did not tell you of Gods
grace, and you were to be lost, I should have sorrow, but
I do want you to repent and believe in JESUS and be
saved.'' After talking nearly an hour to him, he said,
"Now do you believe it? If so, just ask the Lord
Jesus to forgive your sins, and He certainly will." The
dear lad then prayed with him, and came with his face
beaming with the joy of the Lord.
Saturday. — Had a very happy morning waiting on GOD
for blessing on His church at Tsing-kiang-p'u.
Monday. — Dear Miss Murray left me this morn-
ing, having been wanted back in Yang-chau. We have
had a very happy week together, and on Saturday
met the Christians in a little social gathering. On Sun-
day we got some of them to go out with our boy preach-
ing in the street. I think they were encouraged with the
result and trust they will continue it. I have now one
of the two women converts to help me during the rest
of my stay.
A good many women have come, and many listen very
attentively to the message of salvation through a cruci-
fied Redeemer. At present my words are few, but I do
feel I have great cause for thankfulness that, having
been only eight months in the country, I am able to tell out
though feebly His glorious message of love ; it is such a
joy. We did not get an entrance into any houses last
week ; we were followed by such crowds in the city that
no one liked to invite us in, and outside the city, where we
stayed at some doors and spoke to the crowds who col-
lected, we were unable to get to the women alone. We
have sold a good many Gospel portions, and to day had
some visitors from a Ya-mun who bought a copy. May
those who read have life through the Word. It seems
so strange to feel that I am the only foreigner in this city ;
no one to speak to in my own tongue but my Master, but
He is very real and precious, and fully satisfies.
Monday. — Have been a week alone ; it has been
a week of precious teaching ; I have enjoyed it so much.
Have spent my mornings in study, and each afternoon
have had a number of women visitors. Praise God, He
is blessing our evangelist's wife, and she speaks so
earnestly. At the Sunday service we were crowded and
found it necessary to put a seat outside for several.
A SHINING LIGHT.
To-day a Christian brother has come from a little
village 100 It from here ; he seems very happy in Jesus ;
has been a believer three years. He has service in his
house with his neighbours, and says there are six of them
who believe ; they have not any one to teach them but
the Holy Spirit through the Word.
Jfirst Jlans iit C^mrg-sIjiUT — Cljclj-Iuang.
FROM THE DIARY OF MISS LITTLER.
FELT tired after my longride from Yuh-shan yesterday ;
busy unpacking and arranging my things most of
the day.
January yd.- — Spent the morning with Mr. Hu,
a good teacher and a Christian. In the afternoon
went out with our woman to six homes, four Christian
and two heathen.
January %th. — Studied in the morning, then went with
Miss Byron to see a young lad very ill with dropsy.
Studied again in the afternoon.
January Wi. — Spent the morning in fasting, and prayer,
and Bible reading with Miss Byron.
January gt/i. — In the afternoon I had my first Chinese
Bible class of children ; they were very good, and
seemed quite interested, they understood me fairly well ;
two boys were very intelligent and quick in answering
questions.
January 31J/. — Wet Sunday. Miss Macintosh with
us ; she goes on to Yuh-shan to-morrow. A good num-
ber at the morning service ; many passers-by came to
the door, or slipped inside to listen. I had over twenty
boys in my class.
February \st, — Miss Byron and I went as far as Peh-
shih-kiai with Miss Macintosh, as I wanted to see if it
was a place where I could come for every other Sunday,
going on Saturday, and returning on Monday. After
seeing the place, I quite hope to carry this plan out, and
have ordered a carpenter to partition me off a bedroom.
The people there seemed pleased.
Sunday, February 7///.— My boys were very attentive ;
I had sixteen, all over eight years old.
Monday. — Six of my boys came to see me about two
p.m., and stayed about half an hour. They seem won-
derfully pleased to come here, and it is quite amusing to
see them, entirely of their own accord, take off their
shoes on the stairs before they come into our sitting-room.
The other day an old lady was very grieved because she
upset the ashes of her foot-warmer on to our mats.
February 26th. — Went to Peh-shih-kiai, found the
place quite comfortable. Had a quiet Sunday, as it was
wet ; there were twelve at the morning service, and fifteen
in the afternoon. Afterwards I went out visiting.
March 6//1 — Had a very happy day ; I went out visit-
ing about nine a.m. ; when I came back about twenty
women came to see me, and between eleven and twelve
we all went down to the service, and there were about
thirty present most of the time. Afterwards more
women came. The afternoon was very wet, but the
evangelist's wife and three other women spent the greater
part of it with me. One woman seemed so interested,
she stayed all night as it was very wet, and her house is
some little distance from Peh-shih-kiai ; she slept in the
room next to me, and I was so glad to hear her asking
Mrs. Chang about the Gospel, and whether candles and
chanting prayers were any good.
March 22nd.— Last Saturday I went again to Peh-shih-
kiai. Sunday was a very busy day ; in the morning there
were about thirty at the sen-ice and not less than forty in
CHINAS MILLIONS.
131
the afternoon. A great many women came to see me,
some came both morning and afternoon ; my first visitors
arrived before 10 a.m., and the last left about 5 p.m.
March 24M.— Miss Byron went to Yuh-shan this morn-
ing. I took her class in the afternoon of over forty women
and lots of children. Mrs. Chin and Lao-niang helped me.
April $th. — Went to a village where two native Chris-
tians live, taking some Christians with me, one of whom
preached to over one hundred people in a kind of hall be-
longing to the farm-house where we had dinner.
April ipth. — Went to Peh-shih-kiai ; had three very
quiet and attentive women there all day on Sunday,
and a nice number at the services.
May i$lh. — Had a number of people here at the morn
ing service ; Mr. Thompson received eight candidates for
baptism.
SDifoinjja from Skaitetr W&mfaxs.
From Mr. Cardwell.
Shanghai, May 27th. — Yesterday was a good day ; all were
lifted heavenward, and each praised the Lord for His grace
and goodness in bringing them out here. Mr. Stevenson, no
doubt, will tell you of all the goodness the Lord caused to pass
before us, and how He opened the hearts of some of His ser-
vants, enabling them to offer willingly of their substance for the
work. A visitor told me of the great blessing he had received,
and gave me as a thankoffering to the Lord a cheque for ,£100
for the Mission.
We have sent our dear children to Che-foo : we thought it
would be a benefit to them in many ways, though we felt it hard
to part with them again.
From Miss Macintosh.
Yuh-shan, April 2T,rd. — You will be glad to hear that I have
been able to pay a second visit to Sin-k'eng, and was very
kindly received. The rooms were nicely cleaned up for me.
The large one opens on the public street, and makes a nice quiet
hall ; the other I use as a bedroom.
In the evening we had a nice meeting ; the room was
crowded, and the people were unusually quiet and attentive.
One well-to-do man (formerly a member of the church),
whose house adjoins the mission-rooms, was not very well
pleased with the idea of again opening the place ; but he and his
wife and daughter-in-law came to the meeting, and afterwards
we had a long talk together, and became very friendly. They
have been so kind to me since, and have given me the use of
two tables and a few forms. He came to me as I was leaving,
and asked me " to come back very soon, and to stay for some
time, and just look upon my house as your home."
On reaching Yiih-shan, I found Miss Tapscott had just
arrived. We are very happy together, and she is a real help.
We have a great many women every day : they begin to come
early in the forenoon, and keep coming all day, so that many are
daily hearing the Gospel. On Sundays the house and chapel are
crowded all day. The Lord give an abundant harvest ! We
are pleading the fulfilment of His promises. The enemy is try-
ing to hinder us in many ways, but, praise the Lord, He whose
we are and whom we serve is Almighty.
I hope to visit many of the villages. My woman is getting
on so nicely in learning to read the characters. She preaches
the Gospel very well, and is always so bright and happy.
From Mr. John Smith.
Ta-li Fu, March 2nd. — One of our schoolboys has been in-
veigled away by a man who bought his mother some years ago.
He was much attached to us, and I am sure he will return
here for further instruction, if he can get an opportunity. I
feel sure there is a genuine work of grace in his heart, and our
God will " perfect that which concerneth " him. He can never
lose his place in our hearts, or in our prayers. I love to think
of him and of the other converts, not so much as Chinese
but as brethren in Christ.
Most of our large sheets of red paper, bearing Scripture texts,
posted up in the city, have now been destroyed, but we know
that many have read them. The two texts over our door are
daily read by many. We find it hard to make the people in
the Min-kia villages understand us : they know just enough
Chinese words to enable them to trade in the city. Opium-
poisoning cases have been numerous ; we generally succeed in
curing them. One smoker has taken the anti-opium medicine,
and is almost cured.
From Mr. Graham Brown.
Han-chung, May 8th. — All this journey so far has been one long
time of proving God's faithfulness — from the time of leaving
Gan-k'ing, and fearing I should not get a steamer, not to speak
of a cabin, and then finding Mr. Nicoll on board, able to arrange
everything for me, and a cabin quite empty, though it was the
Chinese new year. Wu-chang was rather a testing time for my
impatience, as there seemed to be much to hinder, only the
reason of these shone out so brightly as leading to dear Mr.
Beauchamp's being with us to Fan-ch'eng. I had much enjoy-
ment in being with him. Then we were much helped by Mr.
Hutton sending a servant up with us to Laoho-k'eo.
We found Mr. Geo. King truly without even leisure to eat, as
he had more practice than most parish dispensaries, I am sure,
and visitors at all times. From thence we came up very
quickly without much adventure, until we passed the rapids,
and then the water became very shallow indeed, until after
taking five hours to make seven li, I could stand it no longer,
and had the servant get a horse for me, and rode in to Han-chung
from twenty li below Cheng-k'u, arriving in black darkness,
with the feeling that I had had the most romantic prayer-meet-
ing I had known in China while sitting in the saddle.
Mrs. ARMSTRONG- (late of Hamilton) writing from
Shanghai on 1st June to a friend in Scotland, says : — We have
been praising God ever since we landed, and we want you to
join us. On board the Hydaspes we had five conversions at least ;
and on board the Verona eleven, quarter-masters, stewards,
etc., have been brought to know Jesus as their own personal
Saviour. A young gentleman, a second-class passenger, also
came clear out on the Lord's side. Mr. Armstrong is hopeful
of a gentleman who left us at Hong-kong. He was deeply in-
terested in God's word while on board. You will remember
ihem in prayer, that they may be kept by His power. There
have been some meetings in the Temperance Hall here, and
most of them have given their testimony. Messrs. M'Carthy,
C. T. Studd, and A. Orr Ewing are staying here just now.
Mr. Studd's brother George came from Australia to meet him
here, and you will be glad to hear that he, like his brother, has
entered the " All for Jesus " set.
Mr. HENRY DICK wrote from Sha-shi on July 8th :—
Last Tuesday, as a result of the work of Miss Wilson and Miss
Evans in this place, we had the joy of receiving into fellowship
by baptism an old woman who had been in their employ for
some time ; she was a vegetarian, but having seen that vege-
tarianism cannot save her, she is now, we fully believe, trusting
in Jesus.
Mr. J. J. OOULTHARD and others of the party who left
on Aug. 25th wrote from Gibraltar, Aug. 30th, of comfortable
quarters, enjoyable Bible-readings and opportunities for services.
jgiprtx tris fax €\txnK.
On Sept. gth, per P. and O. steamer Thames, Mr. and Mrs.
Tomkinson and Misses Maud Holme, H. R. Waldie,
A. K. Ferriman, S. E. Bastone, A. K. Hook, Harriet
Cutt, and Emma Fryer left for China.
On Sept. 22nd, Mr. and Mrs. Rudland and child, Mr. and
Mrs. Tomalin, and Mr. and Mrs. Elliston and children left
to return to China per P. and O. steamer Ganges.
132
CHINA'S MILLIONS.
cSisf of Protestant Missionaries in
§§xna in 1887.
The names of the Male Missionaries are given in Small Capitals (China) ; those of Medical Missionaries are in blacker Type
(China) ; and Ordained Medical Missionaries in blacker Capitals (CHINA). Lady Missionaries are indicated by Italic Type {China) ;
and Medical Ladies by Italic Capitals {CHINA). Unmarried men are indicated by an asterisk (*). Absent Missionaries are
indicated by a dagger (t).
%\\a£\io§ §ocietie$.
LONDON MISSION, 1808.
Peking.
Owen, Rev. G 1866
Gilmour, Rev. J.,m.A.* 1870
Meech, Rev. S. E. .. 1871
Stonehouse, Rev. J... 1882
Philip, Miss 1884
Smith, Miss 1884
Fritchard, E. T., m.b.,C.M. 1886
More ton. Miss 1886
Tientsin.
Lees, Rev. J. f .. .. 1861
Bryson, Rev. T 1866
Mackenzie, J. K.,m.r.c.s.,
l.r.c 1875
King, Rev. A 1879
Rees, Rev. W. H. . . 1883
McFarlane, Sewell S.,
l.r.c. s., l.r.c. p. .. 1887
Morrison, Mrs 1887
Hankow.
John, Rev. Griffith* 1855
Bonsey, Rev. A 1882
Gillison, Dr. T.* .. .. 1882
Foster, Rev. A., B.A.f 1871
Wilson, Rev. J. W. .. 1886
Wuchang.
Owen, Rev. W.* .. .. 1879
Sparham, Rev. C. G.* 1884
Shanghai.
Muirhead, Rev. W. .. 1847
Amoy.
Macgowan, Rev. J. .. 1859
Sadler, Rev. James .. 1866
Ross, Rev. R. M. .. 1885
Ashburner, Miss . . .. 1885
Miller, Miss 1885
Fahmy, Ahmed, M.B., CM. 1887
Hongkong.
CHALMERS,Rev.J.,LL.D. 1852
Rowe Miss 1876
Bondfield, Rev. G. H. 1883
Canton.
Pearce, Rev. T. W. .. 1879
Eichler, Rev. E. R. .. 188 1
SOCIETY FOR THE PROMO-
TION OF FEMALE EDUCA-
TION IN THE EAST, 1834.
Ningpo.
Smith, Miss G 1878
Higginbotham, Miss . . 1887
Foochow.
Bus hell, Miss 1 884
Cooke, Miss Mary S. . , 1886
Hongkong.
Johnstone, Miss . . . . 1874
Jersey, Miss Dc .. .. 1 883
Magill, Miss 1885
BRITISH AND FOREIGN
BIBLE SOCIETY, 1843.
North-China Agency.
BRYANT,Rev.E.,^£vr>tft 1865
Newchwang.
Turley, R. T.* . . . . 1886
Peking.
Studd, F.* 1886
Ping-yang Fu.
Evans, D.« 1884
Tai-yuen Fu.
Adamson, A 1884
Mid- China Agency.
Shanghai.
Dyer, S., Agent .. .. 1875
Murray, D. S.* .. .. 1883
MOLLMANN, J.* .. .. 1865
Chou-kia-k'ou.
Paton, T 1882
South-China Agency.
Canton.
Kenmure.Alex. ,^4 «■'"«' 1886
McCloy, Thos.* .. ..1886
Hongkong.
Reinhardt, C* .. .. 1883
AlTKEN, T. W.» .. .. 1887
NATIONAL BIBLE SOCIETY
OF SCOTLAND, 1863.
Pekin.
Murray, Rev. W. H... 187 1
Han-kow.
Archibald, JoHNf .. 1877
CHURCH MISSIONARY
SOCIETY, 1844.
Shanghai.
Moule, Ven. Arch-
deacon 1861
Lanning, Mr. G 1875
Hangchow.
Moule, Rt. Rev.G. E.,
D.D., Bishop .. .. 1858
Elwin, Rev. A 1870
Main, Duncan, m.d 1882
Horsbjrgh, Rev. J. H. 1883
Coultas, Rev. G.W... 1886
HicMe, Dr.* 1887
Neale, Rev. J.* . . . . 1887
Ningpo.
Laurence, Miss M. .. 1870
Bates, Rev. J 1867
Hoare, Rev. J. C. . . 1876
Russell, Mrs. W. A. .. 1848
Groves, Rev. W. L.f.. 1879
Morgan, Rev. J. H.*.. 1884
Shaohing.
Valentine, Rev. J. D. 1864
Fuller, Rev. A. R.t.. 1882
Foochow.
Wolfe, Rev. J. R. .
1S62
Stewart, Rev. R. W
1876
Lloyd, Rev. L.f . .
1S76
Banister, Rev. W. . .
1881
Shaw, Rev. C
1882
Foo-ning Fu.
1878
1882
Canton.
Grundy, Rev. J
1878
Hongkong.
Burdon, Rt. Rev. J. S.
D.D., Bishop .. .<
1853
Ost, Rev. J. B
1880
Pak-hoi.
Holder, E. 0., Dr
1884
Light, Rev. W.* . .
1886
CHURCH OF ENGLAND
MIS-
SION, IN NORTH CHINA,
1874.
Peking.
Scott, Rt. Rev. C. P.,
D.D., Bishop* .. ..
1874
Brereton, Rev. W. ..
1880
1886
Chefoo.
Greenwood, Rev. M.*
1874
Williams, Rev. W. J.
1887
188.S
1884
Tai-an Fu.
Sprent, Rev. F. H.
1884
Brown, Rev. H. J.
1887
ENGLISH PRESBYTERIAN
MISSION, 1847.
Amoy.
McGregor, Rev. W.,
1S04
CHINA'S MILLIONS.
I 33
Thompson, Rev. H. .. 1877
Watson, Rev. J., m.a. 1880
MACLEISH, Rev. A. L,
A.M.,M.B.C M l88l
Maclagan, Miss G.J... 1883
Johnston, Miss J. M. . . 1885
Chinchew.
Grant, D., m.b. cm. .. 1880
Campbell, Rev. Wii.f 1871
Taiwan Fu.
Barclay, Rev. T., m.a. 1874
Anderion, P.,i.^.c.s.,p.E.ti878
Thow, Rev. Wm., m.a. 1880
Ede, Mr. Geo 1883
Butler, Miss A. E 1 885
Stuart, Miss ? 1885
Lang, John, l.r.c.p.,f.. . 1885
Swatow.
Smith, Rev. G., m.a. .. 1857
Mackenzie, Rev. H. L.,
M.A.f i860
Duffus, Rev. Wm. .. 1869
Gibson, Rev. J. C, m.a. 1874
Ricketts, Miss C. M.\ . . 1878
Lyall, A., m.b., cm 1879
Paton, Mr. Wm 1881
Cousland, P. B., m.b., cm. 1882
Black, Miss E 1885
Harkness, Miss M. . . 1887
Ng-kang-phu.
MclVER, Rev. D., M.A.f 1879
RIDDELL, Btv. W.,
M.B., CM l88l
McPhun, J. F. m.b., cm. 1883
UNITED PRESBYTERIAN
CHURCH OF SCOTLAND,
1865.
Shanghai and Chefoo.
Williamson, Rev. A.,
B A., LL.D.*
Newchwangl
185S
MacIntyre, Rev. J. .. 1872
Westwater, A. McD., l.r.c,
p., and s 1884
Westwater, Mrs. Alex. 1882
Moukden.
Ross, Rev. John .. 1872
Webster, Rev. J. .. 1882
CHRISTIE, Rev. D., l.r.* 1882
IRISH PRESBYTERIAN
CHURCH, 1869.
Newchwang.
Carson, Rev. James 1874
Shaw, Rev. W. W. .. 1884
Fulton, Rev. T. C. . . 1885
CANADIAN PRESBYTERIAN
MISSION, 1871.
Tamsui.
Mackay, Rev. G. L.,
D.D I87I
Jamieson, Rev 1884
CHURCH OF SCOTLAND,
1878.
Ichang.
Cockburn, Rev. G. .. 1872
Dowsley, Rev. A. . . 1880
Macdonald, G. B. D., m.b.,
CM. .. . ■ .. 1887
WESLEYAN MISSION, 1852.
Hankow.
Hill, Rev. D.* . . . . 1865
Cornaby, Rev. W. A.* 1885
Miles, G.* 1885
Reid, W. H.* .. ..1886
Morley, A., M.R C.S.,
l.r.cp.* 1886
HODGE, Rev. S. R., m.r. c.s. 1887
Sugden, Miss 1886
Williams, Miss . . . . 1886
Wuchang.
Warren, Rev. G. G.* 1886
Barber, Rev. W. T. A.
M.A.* 1885
Brewer, Rev. J. W.*t 1872
Hanyang.
Mitchil, Chas. W.* .. 1873
North, Rev. T. E. .. 1880
Wu-sueh.
Bramfitt, Rev. T.f .. 1875
Boden, Rev. F.« .. .. 1884
Kwang-chi.
Watson, Rev. W. H. 1882
Watson, Miss 1885
Watson, Miss M. .. .. 1886
Canton.
Bone, Rev. C 1880
Turner, Rev. J. A. ..1886
Hargreaves, Rev. G.. 1878
WENYON, Rev. C, m.d,
c.M.f i88d
Fatshan.
Bridie, Rev. W.* .. 1882
MACDONALD, Rev. R.,
M.D., C.M.* l88j.
Shuikwan.
Tope, Rev. S. G.* .. 1882
Parker, Rev. H. J.* .. 1883
METHODIST NEW CON-
NEXION MISSION, 1860.
Tientsin. •
Innocent, Rev. J. . . i860
Robinson, Rev. J. . . 1877
Turner, Rev. F. B.* . . 1887
Lao-ling.
Candlin, Rev. G. T. .. i8;8
Innocent, G. M. H.* 1882
Shrubshall, W. W.* . . .. 1887
Kai-ping.
Hinds, Rev. J 1879
UNITED METHODIST FREE
CHURCH, 1867.
Ningpo.
Galpin, Rev. F 1887
Swallow, Rev. R. . . 1874
Wenchow.
Soothill, Rev. W. E. 1882
BIBLE CHRISTIANS, 1885.
Yun-nan Fu.
Vanstone, Rev. J. G. 1885
Thorne, Rev. S. T. .. 1883
Dymond, Rev. F 1887
Pollard, Rev. S 1887
Stewartson, Miss .. .. 1887
BAPTIST MISSIONARY
SOCIETY, 1860.
Tai-yuen-fu.
Richard, Rev. T. .. 1869
Turner, Rev. J. J. .. 1876
Sowerby, Rev. A. . . 1881
Morgan, Rev. E 1884
Dixon, Rev. H 1884
Farthing, Rev. G. B.* 1886
T'singchau Fu.
Jones, Rev. A. G. .. 1876
James, Rev. F 1876
Whitewright, Rev.
J. S 1881
Couling, Rev. S. .. 1884
Forsyth, Mr. R. C. . . 1884
Medhurst, Rev. C. S. 1885
Watson, J. R., m.b 1885
Wills, Rev. W. A. .. 1876
Drake, Rev. S. B. . . 1878
Nickalls, Rev. E. C* 1886
Smyth, Rev. E. C* .. 1886
Harmon, Rev. F. .. 1887
CHINA INLAND MISSION,
1865.
{See separate List.)
FRIENDS' FOREIGN MISSION
ASSOCIATION.
Han-chung,
Davidson, Mr. R. J. .. i885
THE CHINESE BOOK AND
TRACT SOCIETY, 1886.
Shanghai.
Williamson, Rev. A.,
b.a., ll.d.* 1855
Macintosh, Mr. Gil-
bert 1885
UNCONNECTED.
Amoy.
Budd, Rev. C.
Kiu-kiang
Moland, C. E.* .
Blandford, C. T.
Gan-k'ing
Folke, E.* .. .
1876
1883
A list of Missionaries oj American and Continental Societies will be given next month.
J 34
CHINAS MILLIONS.
^tsstonctrtes of t§e Qfyina gwtanb l^ttssxon
Jln6 Jlssoctafes (m gfattcs).
BRETHREN, PRAY FOR US."
Date of Arrival.
J. H. Taylor, Director.. .. 1854
Mrs. Hudson Taylor .. .. 18C6
Jambs Meadows 1862
Mrs. Meadows 1866
George Stott.. _ .. .. 1866
Mrs. Stott .. „ .. .. 1870
J.W.Stevenson .. #J . .. 1866
Mrs. Stevenson 1866
J.Williamson 1866
Mrs. Williamson „ .. .. 1875
W. D. Rudland 1866
Mrs. Rudland : . .. 1876
John McCarthy 1867
Mrs. McCarthy 1867
J. E. Cardwell 1868
Mrs. Cardwell 1868
Charles H. Judd i858
Mrs. Judd „ 1868
Miss Turner 1872
Fredk. W. Baller 1873
Mrs. Baller 1866
Benj. Bagnall 1873
Mrs. Bagnall 1880
A. W. Douthwaite, m.d.
(U.S.A.) 1874
Henry Soltau 1875
Mrs. Soltau 1883
George King 187s
Mrs. King 1883
J. Cameron, m.d. (o.s.a.) .. 1875
George Nicoll 1875
Mrs. Nicoll 1879
G. W.Clarke 1875
Mrs. G. W. Clarke .. ..1880
J. F. Broumton 1875
Mrs. Broumton 1879
G. F. Easton 1875
Mrs. Easton 1881
Miss E. Wilson _ .. .. 1876
Edward Pearse .. — .. 1876
Mrs. Pearse 1875
George Parker 1876
Mrs. Parker 1880
Horace A. Randle .. .. 1876
Mrs. Randle 1878
R. J. Landalh, m.a 1876
Miss Horne .. _ .. .. 1876
Charles G. Moorb .. .. 1878
Mrs. Moore .. .. ~ .. 1878
A. C. Dorvvard 1878
Samuel R. Clarke .. .. 18/8
Mrs. S. R. Clarke 1878
Frank Trench 1878
Miss Fanny Boyd 1878
W. L. Elliston 1878
Mrs. Elliston 1882
Edward Tomalin .. .. ... 1879
Mrs. Tomalin 1866
John J. Coulthard .. .. 1879
Henry W. Hunt .. .. _ 1879
Mrs. Hunt .. 1878
Nat
Date of Arr
Thos. W. Pigott, b.a
Mrs. Pigott
W. L. Pruen, l.r.c.p
Mrs. Pruen .. _ .. ..
Mrs. Schofield
Miss C. M. Kerr
William Cooper
Mrs. Cooper
David Thompson
Mrs. Thompson „ .. ,,
Arthur Eason
Mrs. Eason
George Andrew
Mrs. Andrsw
H. Hudson Taylor .. ..
Mrs. H. H. Taylor .. ..
Miss Mary Evans
E. H. Edwards, m.b , cm...
Mrs. Edwards
W. Wilson, m.b., cm
Mrs. Wilson ..
Mrs. Riley
Miss S. Carpenter .. ..
Miss M. Carpenter .. ..
Fredk. A. Stevhn .. ...
F. Marcus Wood
Mrs. Wood
Henry Dick ..
Owen Stevenson .. «. ..
Mrs. Rendall
Miss J. Black
J. H. Sturman
W. E. Burnett
Mrs. Burnett
Miss S. Seed
Miss L. Malpas . . „
A. Langman
Thomas King
William Key „ .. _ ..
Mrs. W. Key
Miss Whitchurch
Mrs. Cheney ...
Thomas Windsor
Edward Hughesdon .. ..
Miss Emily Black _ ..
Miss Emily Fosbery .. ..
Miss Mary Williams _ „
Chas. F. Hogg
Mrs. Hogg
J. McMullan .. .. .. ..
John Finlayson
J. A. Slimmon
Miss Cath. A. Todd _ ..
Miss M. Hudson Taylor
Miss Mary Black . . .. _
Miss Annie R. Taylor.. ..
Miss Ellen A. Barclay
H. Parry, l.r.c.p., etc.
Mrs. Parry
Miss A. G. Broomhall.. ..
A. Hudson Broomhall
t Bible
ive Pastors, Evangelists,
ival.
B79
882
88o
872
B80
880
8S1
SO
H^
So.
Chi
Date of Arrival.
Miss Maria Byron 1884
Duncan Kay 1884
Mrs. Duncan Kay 1884
George Miller 188 (
William Laughton .. .. 1884
Mrs. Laughton 1884
Stewart McKee .. ... .. 1884
Thomas Hutton 1884
Mrs. Hutton 1885
Charles Horobin 1884
John Reid 1884
Albert Phelps 1884
Miss C. K. Murray .. .. 1884
Miss M. Murray 1884
Miss Macintosh 1884
Miss Agnes Gibson .. .. 1884
Miss McFarlane 1884
Miss Lily Webb 1884
Miss Alice Drake 1884
Miss Eleanor Marston .. 1884
Heruert L. Norris .. .. 1884
F. T. Foucar 1885
T. James „ 1885
John Smith 1885
Stanley P. Smith, b.a. .. 1885
C. T. Studd, B.A 1885
W. W. Cassels, b.a 1885
D. E. Hoste 1885
M. Beauchamp, b.a 1885
C. Polhill-Turner 1885
A. Polhill-Turner, b.a. .. 1885
F. W. K. Gulston 188 j
Richard Gray Owen .. .. 1885
Mrs. Gray Owen 1883
Maurice J. Walker .. .. 1885
T. E. S. Eotham 1885
W. E. Terry 1885
W. T. Beynon 1885
Mrs. Beynon 1886
Miss Jennie Webb 1885
Miss Jane Stevens .. .. 1885
T. G. Vanstonc\ 1885
S. T. Thornc\ 1885
W. Hope Gill 1885
D.M.Robertson 1885
J. A. Heal „ 1885
R. Grierson 1885
J. R. Douglas 1885
M.Harrison 1885
Miss J. D. Robertson .. .. 1886
MissL. E. Hibberd .. .. 1SS6
Miss S. E. Jones 1886
Miss C. P. Clark 18S6
Miss S. Reuter 1886
Miss A. S. Jakobsen
Miss Sarah Wilson
Miss Jane C. Oliver
Miss Mary I.. Legg
Miss E. C. Fenton
Miss F. R. Kinaiian
Miss Tapscott.. ..
stian's Mission.
18S6
1886
18S6
18S6
1886
Date of Arrival.
Miss L. Davis 1886
Miss Fausset i885
Miss C. Littler i885
Miss Annie Say 1886
Arch. Orr EwiNG.jun.. .. i885
Eldred S. Sayers . . _ .. 1886
Geo. Graham Brown _ .. 1886
Andrew Wright .. .„ .. 1886
J. C. Stewart, m.d. (u.s.a.). 1886
Miss H. E. Kings iS36
" Of l\t lunbrtb."
W. S. Johnston
Frank McCarthy _ ,
John Brock
Wm. Russell
John Darroch ,
F. Dymond\
S. Pollard^
Miss P. L. Stewart
MUsG. M. Muir .. _
Miss Cath. Thomson ..
Miss Kate McWatters
Miss E. J. Burroughes
Miss F. M. Britton
Miss Emily M. Johnson
Miss Annie McQuillan
Miss Caroline Gates ..
Miss J. A. Miller .. ..
Miss Maggie MacKee ..
Miss Harriet K. Parker
Miss Ella Webber
Miss C. Groves
Miss Ada E. Knight ..
Miss Louisa K. Ellis . .
Alex. Armstrong..
Mrs. Armstrong .. ..
Miss M. E. Sc«tt .. ..
Miss Alice A. Miles ..
Miss Harriet A. Judd..
Miss Emma Culverwell
Miss L. M. Forth .. ..
Miss Stcwartsonl . . ..
W.J.Lewis ,
A. Module
J. O. Curnow
A. H. Faers .. ~ ..
I. F. Drysdale .. ..
D.J.Mills
Jas. Adam _
Arch. Gracie .. _ ..
Ed. Tomkinson .. _
Mrs. To.mkinson .. ..
Miss E. Maud Holme »
Miss H. R. Waldib
Miss A. K. Ferriman ..
Miss S. E. Bastonb
Miss A. K. Hook .. ..
Miss Harriet Cutt
Miss Emma Fryer .. „
Preachers, Colporteurs, etc., etc., 114.
Portraits {carte size) of most of the above may be had from the Mission office, price 6d.; by post 6$d.
Cabinet Groups— for list, see March " China's Millions,"— \s.; by post is. id.
China's Millions.
COLOSSAL STATUE OF A GOD.
& §Utro0ptft
BY J. HUDSON TAYLOR.
{Continued from page 123. )
FTER the retaking of Shanghai by the Imperialists I was able to rent a house
within the walls of the native city, and to make it my headquarters, while
still spending much of my time in itineration. At the suggestion of the Rev.
Dr. Medhurst I adopted the native costume, hoping that it might facilitate
the obtaining of a settlement up the country. The Chinese had permitted a
foreign firm to build a silk factory some distance inland, with the proviso
that the style of building must be purely Chinese, and that there should be
nothing external to suggest that it was foreign. After a time, on the island
of Ts'ung-ming I succeeded in renting a second house, and occupied it for a
month or two ; then the authorities complained to the British consul, and
he compelled me to retire, though the French consul had himself secured to the Romish mis-
sionaries a property within three or four miles of the house I had to vacate.
I was sorely disappointed, little dreaming of the blessing God had in store for me. I was
thus brought into association with the Rev. Wm. C. Burns, of the English Presbyterian Mission,
who had tried, like myself, without success, to get to the rebels at Nankin. We journeyed
NOVEMBER, 1 887.
136 CHINA'S MILLIONS.
together, evangelising cities and towns in South Kiang-su and North Cheh-kiang, and Mr. Burns
saw that while I was the younger and in every way less experienced, I had the quiet hearers,
while he was followed by the rude boys, and by the curious but careless ; that I was invited
to the homes of the people, while he received an apology that the crowd that would follow
precluded his being invited. After some weeks of observation he also adopted the native dress and
enjoyed the increased facilities which it gave.
These happy months were an unspeakable joy and advantage to me : his love of the Word of
God was delightful, and his holy, reverential life and constant communings with God, made fellow-
ship with him to meet the deep cravings of my heart. His accounts of revival work, and of persecu-
tion in Canada and Dublin, and South China, were most instructive as well as interesting, for with true
spiritual insight he often pointed out God's purposes in trial in a way that made life assume quite
a new aspect and value. His views, especially about evangelistic work as the great work of the
Church, and of the order of lay evangelists as a lost order that Scripture required to be restored
to its proper place, were seeds which have borne abundant fruit in the China Inland Mission.
Externally, however, our path was not always a smooth one ; for a time we were able to stay
in town or city, and then the time was well utilised. We were in the habit of issuing from our boats
after prayer for blessing, about nine a.m. With a light bamboo stool in hand, and selecting a station,
one would mount' the stool and speak for twenty minutes, while the other was pleading for blessing, and
then reversing our positions, the voice of the first speaker had a rest. After an hour or two thus
spent we moved on to another suitable spot at some distance from the first, and spoke again. Usually
about 12.30 we returned to our boats for dinner, fellowship and prayer, then resumed our outdoor
work till dusk. After tea and a further rest we went with our native helpers to a tea-shop, where
several hours were spent in free conversation with the people. Not unfrequently before leaving a
town we had good reason to believe that much truth had been grasped, and we left many Scriptures
and books in the hands of the people. It was at this time that the rencontre with salt smugglers took
place, which is narrated on pages 72 to 75 of "China's Spiritual Need and Claims."
We had a new illustration in our being driven away from Black town, as mentioned in that
narrative, that God does not permit persecution without sufficient reason. He was leading us by a
way that we knew not, but it was none the less His leading.
" O Lord, how happy should we be
If we would cast our care on Thee,
If we from self would rest,
And feel at heart that One above,
In perfect wisdom, perfect love,
Is working for the best."
When we reached Shanghai, thinking to return inland in a few days with fresh supplies of books
and money, we met a Christian captain who had been trading at Swatow, and he put very strongly
before us the need of that region, and the fact that there were British merchants living on Double
Island selling opium, and engaged in the coolie trade (which was practically a slave trade), while there
was no British missionary to preach the Gospel. The Spirit of God impressed me with the feeling
that this was His call, but for days I felt that I could not obey it. I had never had such a spiritual
father as Mr. Burns, I had never known such holy, happy fellowship, and I said to myself that it
could not be God's will that we should separate.
In great unrest of soul myself, we were both invited to take tea with Mr. and Mrs. Rankin,
American Presbyterian missionaries at the south gate of Shanghai. After tea Mrs. Rankin played over
to us the " Missionary Call." I had never heard it before ; my heart was almost broken before it was
finished, and I said to the Lord in the words that had been sung — "And I will go ! ... I
may no longer doubt to give up friends and idol hopes, and every tie that binds my heart
Henceforth, then, it matters not, if storm or sunshine be my earthly lot, bitter or sweet my cup ; I only
pray : God make me holy, and my spirit nerve for the stern hour of strife."
I asked Mr. Burns to come home with me to my little house in the city — still my headquarters —
and there with many tears I told him how the Lord had been leading me, and how rebellious I had
been, and unwilling to leave him for this new sphere of labour. He listened with a strange look of
surprise, and of pleasure rather than of pain, and told me that he had determined that very night
to tell me that he had heard the Lord's call to Swatow, and that the one cause of regret to him
had been the prospect of the severance of our happy fellowship. We went together ; and thus was
recommenced missionary work in that part of China, which God has latterly so abundantly blessed.
"Even Christ pleased not Himself" (Rom. xv. j).
ft
By Edward Howe, Jun.
^m
-E :
I. My soul is not at rest. There \ '
comes a strange and secret > spirit, like a dream of night, that tells me I am on en -chant - ed
whisper to my
$EB:
jCjlZ
23:
A
JdZL
ground.
2. Why live I here? the vows of God are | on me ; | and I may not stop to play with shadows or pluck earthly | flowers, | till I
my work have done, and | rendered up ac- | -count. r mv I country.
3. And I will I go ! I I may no longer doubt to give up friends and idol | hop s, | and every tie that binds my heart to | thee,
4. Henceforth then, it matters not, if storm or sunshine be my | earthly lot, | bitter or sweet my | cup : | I only pray : " God
make me holy, and my spirit nerve for the stern I hour of | strife !" •
5. And when one for whom Satan hath struggled as he hath for | me, | has g lined at last that blessed | shore, | Oh ! how this
heart will glow with | gratitude and | love.
Chorus for First Four Verses.
9-
Chorus for Last Verse.
u / N js
3fc
±
ii
Through a ■
tiro
y
Through
ges of
-3 p-
ges of
:3^=S _
is=
-V-,
ter
— fc-
~P~
ter
nal
years,
•
nal
years,
My spi - rit
:;V
:.V3=3
nev
shall
My spi
V
rit
shall
re
pent,
m^
pent,
That toil
— W—
and
S
suf
f'rinc
That
toil
and
suf
* €>
f'rinc
=1=
--,— -4-
once were
S
•
once were
f
mine.
be
be
low.
low.
1zr=J
i33
CHINA'S MILLIONS.
,qpoxt nf % Jpaspital mttr gigpettsarg at Cljtfon,
For the Year Ending February 28th, 1887.
BY THE REV. A. W. DOUTHWAITE, M.D.
THREE YEARS ago I published an account of this hospital, but during my absence from China
no record was kept, and no report issued. From June, 1884, to February, 1886, the work was
carried on successively by Drs. W. L. Pruen, H. Parry, and J. Cameron, under whose management the
number of patients increased considerably. The last-named gentleman is still associated with me in
this work.
FUH-SHAN HIEN.
In 1885 an out-station was opened in the district city
of Fuh-shan, twelve miles west of Chefoo, and a few
months ago we decided to open a small dispensary there,
hoping by that means to win the confidence of the city
people, and draw many from the surrounding villages to
hear the Gospel. Dr. Cameron visits this station once a
week, and the Gospel is preached daily by the native
evangelist in charge.
The people were at first slow to take advantage of
these opportunities of obtaining medical aid, but latterly
their confidence has increased, and on some days nearly
a hundred patients have applied for relief.
NING-HAI CHAU.
Another station has been recently opened in Nmg-hai,
a city twenty-five miles to the east of this port, and
we purpose commencing medical work there also, as soon
as we have funds in hand for that purpose.
YEN-TAI, OR CHEFOO.
Our Chefoo hospital is situated on the " East Hill,"
about a mile from the town, and on the main road to
Ning-hai. It is very convenient for patients coming
from the cities on the Shan-tung promontory, but the dis-
tance from the large town of Yen-tai (Chefoo) is too great
for those who are very sick to come to us for relief, especi-
ally in winter, when the roads — always bad — are almost
impassable. Therefore, we have considered it advisable
to remove our out-patient department down to the town,
and have secured premises for that purpose. The hos-
pital at East Hill will be kept open as formerly, and
those patients who require special treatment will be sent
there.
The arrangements of this institution are in accordance
with the tastes and habits of the people, as far as they
can be, consistent with cleanliness. We have a few beds
kept for surgical cases, but most of the patients prefer
the brick Hang to which they are accustomed.
The k\mg is a brick platform, 6 feet wide, raised 2 \
feet above the floor, and extending across the room. The
top is composed of stone slabs, plastered over with clay,
and is warmed by burning grass or other fuel in the flue,
which ramifies beneath it. It is covered with straw mat-
ting in summer, and padded quilts in cold weather. On
these hard, comfortless beds the patients will lie or sit
for weeks, quite happy and contented, and really prefer
them to the spring mattresses which are provided for
those who desire them. One advantage of this arrange-
ment is that the bed can be covered with a clean sheet
of whitewash whenever necessary.
This necessity arises very often, and the mats the
patients have slept on require drenching with boiling
water after being used a short time. The reason for this
is obvious.
OUT-PATIENTS.
These are mostly of the very poorest class, and during
the winter, the patients who apply for relief are more in
need of food and clothing than medicine.
This department of our work is unsatisfactory in every
way; for, although we are brought in contact with many
thousands of men and women every year, their visits are
too irregular and infrequent for us to do them much good,
or to impress upon their dense minds even the simplest
facts of the Gospel.
Doubtless, the kindness shown to them by strangers,
whom they have been taught to despise as "barbarians"
or fear as "foreign devils," must have some good effect,
and the seeds we thus sow will provide a harvest for
others to reap by-and-by.
In this department 5,635 new cases have been under
treatment during the year, and the total number of visits
recorded 7,648, including 620 at Fuh-shan.
IN-PATIENTS.
The hospital is, of course, a more useful evangelising
agency than the dispensary, for the patients stay long
enough to know us, and to learn something of the truth
we come to teach. Four of our patients have been
baptised this year, and several o'.hers have left the hos-
pital of whose salvation we have hope. One man, when
returning to his distant home, volunteered the assurance
that there were two things he could never forget : " ( me,''
he said, "is what I have heard about the love of GOD ;
and the other, your kindness to me." It is a mistake to
measure our success by the number of names enrolled
on our church registers. I believe there are many men
and women in this land who worship GOD, and trust only
in Jesus for salvation, but have not the courage to openly
confess their faith and face the persecution to which they
would be exposed. Christianity is slowly but surely
permeating the whole of China, and these proud, con-
servative people are being influenced by it to an extent
they little dream of.
Only seventy-nine patients have been admitted to the
hospital, as most of those who apply for admission are
too poor to contribute to their support, and we have no
funds for providing food for them. A few have been
assisted, and several accident cases have been taken in
and provided for, but our rule is to insist on the payment
of seventy cash (3Jd.) a day for food, which is prepared
for them by the hospital cook. Small as this sum is,
many are turned away every month because they have no
means of obtaining money when not working. The in-
patients are of a higher class than those who attend the
dispensary, most of those admitted this year being naval
and military officers and tradesmen. The governor of an
adjoining camp was under our care for several weeks,
and over a hundred of his soldiers have received aid in
the dispensary.
CHINA'S MILLIONS.
139
We have to record, with thankfulness to God, that no
deaths have occurred in the hospital this year.
FOREIGN PATIENTS.
In addition to the Chinese patients who have been
under our care, sixty-one foreigners — English, American,
German, Belgian, and Norwegian — have received medical
or surgical aid. Most of them were members of the
Inland and other missions, from whom we decline to
accept fees.
SUPPORT.
The whole expense of the hospital and dispensary for
the year amounts to 589.71 dols., of which 444 dols. has
been provided from the funds of the China Inland Mission
and the rest met by donations from friends. We are also
indebted to friends in Shanghai and Chefoo for bandage
material, and cast-off clothing for poor patients.
STUDENTS.
Three native students are being educated under our
care, and instructed as thoroughly as possible in all that
is necessary to fit them for medical work among their own
people ; and an English youth, the son of a missionary,
has recently commenced a course of study with us, pre-
paratory to entering a medical school in England or
America. One of the native students commenced the study
of medicine five years ago, and will soon be qualified to
undertake independent work. Our rules with regard to
students are sufficiently stringent to prevent our receiving
many applications, but we consider the standard of educa-
tion low enough.
We require each student to pass an examination in his
own language ; to bind himself to study with us at least
three years ; to give evidence of conversion, and of suita-
bility for employment in mission work ; to agree to work
as " medical missionary " after completing his course of
study, and to work under the general superintendence of
a foreign missionary for the first few years.
We make no charge for tuition, and, through the kind-
ness of a lady in Scotland, we have a small fund for help-
ing students who are not able to fully support themselves.
We wish, however, to avoid the evil of pauperising the
young men by the too liberal use of money — a course to
be earnestly deprecated by all engaged in efforts to
benefit these intensely greedy and avaricious people.
In closing this preface, I wish to express my obligation
to the late Dr. A. R. Piatt for the valuable assistance he
rendered on many occasions as honorary consultant to
our hospital.
The following list shows the nature of the diseases for which
relief has been given during the year. The prevailing diseases
are those of the skin, respiratory and digestive organs ; but
during the spring and autumn months remittent fever is most
common.
EYE DISEASES.
Asthenopia
Blepharitis
Cataract
Choroido-iritis
Choroiditis
Conjunctivitis
Corneal opacity
Corneal ulcer
Cyclitis
Ciliary staphyloma
Dacryo-cystitis
Detachment of
retina
Ectropion
Eczema of lids
Entropion
Epiphora
Epithelioma of lids
Hemeralopia
Hyperemia of re-
tina
Iritis
Leucoma
Mydriaris
Myopia
Obliteration of
pupil
Ophthalmia —
catarrhal
granular
gonorrhceal
neonatorum
phlyctenular
pseudo-mem-
branous
Optic neuralgia
,, neuritis
Orbital tumour
Panophthalmitis
Pterygium
Retinitis
Retinitis pigmen-
tosa
Staphyloma
Symblepharon
Tinea tarsi
Trachoma
Trichiasis
Alopecia
Boils
Carbuncle
Condylomata
Eczema
Epithelioma
Erysipelas
Erythema
Favus
Herpes
SKIN DISEASES.
Herpes zoster
Hypertrophy
Ichthyosis
Lepra
Leprosy, tubercular
,, anaesthetic
Lichen
Lupus
Pemphigus
Pityriasis
Pruritus
Psoriasis
Scabies
Sycosis
Tinea circinata
Ulcers
Urticaria
Vitilligo
DISEASES OF THE NERVOUS SYSTEM.
Anaesthesia
Cephalalgia
Chorea
Epilepsy
Facial paralysis
Hemiplegia
DISEASES OF THE DIGESTIVE
Alveolar abscess
Anal fissure
Anal fistula
Cancrum oris
Cholera
Colic
Constipation
Diarrhoea
Dysentery
Dilatation of
stomach
Entozoa
Gastralgia
Gastro-hepatitis
Haematemesis
Haemorrhoids
Hepatic congestion
Hepatic sclerosis
Insomnia
Neuralgia
Sciatica
SYSTEM.
Hypertrophy of
tongue
Induration of
stomach
Stomatitis
Stricture of
oesophagus
Ulcer of stomach
DISEASES OF THE RESPIRATORY ORGANS.
Asthma Emphysema Pertussis
Acute bronchitis Haemoptysis Phthisis
Chronic „ Laryngitis Pleurisy
Congestion of lungs Nasal polypus Tonsillitis
DISEASES OF THE GENITO-URINARY ORGANS.
Amenorrhcea
Chancre
Djsmenorrhoea
Dysuria
Eczema scroti
Enlarged prostate
Gonorrhoea
Hematuria
Leucorrhoea
Nephritis
Orchitis
Ovaritis
GENERAL DISEASES.
Fever, intermittent 1 Rheumatism
,, remittent Scurvy
Measles Syphilis
Malarial cachexia Anaemia
Addison's disease
Burns and scalds
Bubo
Deafness
Dog bites
Enlarged glands
Enlarged spleen
Ganglion
Hernia
ISCELLANEOUS DISEA
Mitral disease
Mercurial poisoning
Morbus coxarius
Necrosis
Otorrhcea
Opium habit
Opium poisoning
Otitis
Periostitis
Phimosis
Prolapsus uteri
Pruritis scroti
Retroversus uteri
Stricture
Diabetes
Ascitis
Anasarca
ES.
Pericarditis
Purpura
Rickets
Scorpion bites
Torticollis
Tumours
Varicose veins
Whitlow
OPERATIONS
Amputation of finger
,, toes
For Abscess
,, Artificial pupil
,, Cataract
,, Dislocation of shoulder
jaw
fingers...
carpo-
metacar-
pal joints
1
Dropsy 3
Entropion 11
Excision of eye-ball ... 1
Extraction of needle
from abdomen ... 1
Fistula in ano 7
PERFORMED.
For Fracture of fingers
,, Fracture of ulna
,, Hernia testis ...
,, Nasal polypus ...
,, Phimosis
,, Piles
,, Pterygium
,, Stricture of urethra
,, Symblepharon ...
,, Tumour of orbit
Excision of fatty and fibroid
tumours
,, Cancer
,, Enlarged ton-
sils
Teeth extracted
I
.125
140
CHINA'S MILLIONS.
In the hospital the following medical and surgical cases have
been our care : — ■
Medical.
No. OF
Cases.
Result of
Treatment.
Anasarca
Relieved.
Anresthesia of legs ...
Cured.
Asthma
Relieved.
Boils
Cured.
Chronic keratitis
Relieved.
Entozoa
Cured.
Facial paralysis
i>
Hsematuria ...
»i
Herpes circinatus ...
?
Hysteria
Cured.
Laryngitis
,,
Leprosy (1st stage)...
ii
Measles
» »
Opium habit...
6
4 Cured.
Paraplegia ...
Improvement.
Periostitis .-
Relieved.
Phthisis
,,
Pleuritic effusion
?
Pseudo-membranous ophthalmia ...
Cured.
Remittent fever
4
3 Cured.
Rheumatism...
Relieved.
Sciatica
i»
Syphilitic iritis
?
Ulcerated legs
2
Improved.
Ulcer of cornea
1
»!
Surgical.
No. OF
Cases.
Operation.
Result.
Alveolar fistula
1
Cured.
Ascites
2
Paracentesis.
Relieved.
Atrophy of flexor muscles of
thighs
2
I Cured.
Cataract
I
Excision.
Cured.
Crushed knee
I
Crushed finger
I
Diffused abscess in thigh ...
I
?
Enlarged tonsils
I
i)
Cured.
Entropion ...
I
»»
Epithelial cancer ...
I
11
»i
Erectile tumour of orbit ...
I
Recurred.
Exophthalmos
I
.,
Cured.
Extensive bruise, from fall . . .
I
External piles
4
11
(
Fatty tumours
3
i)
..
Fibroid tumour of middle
finger
1
Amputation.
ft
Fistula in ano
7
Fcecal abscess
1
Frostbite ; toes all mortified
1
■1
Gangrene of toes ...
1
Gluteal abscess
1
(>
Hernia testis
1
Castration.
(>
Internal piles
1
Cauterization.
„
Malignant tumour of scalp. . .
1
Excision.
Recurred.
Morbus coxarius ...
1
Improved.
Necrosis of knee ...
1
/
Refused
I
Operation.
Necrosis of vertebrre
1
Relieved.
Obliteration of pupil
1
Iridectomy.
Cured.
Orbital tumour
1
Excision.
Recurred.
Psoas abscess
1
Aspiration.
Cured.
Scrotal sinus
1
Sinus in heel
1
II
Several of the patients left the hospital before we could
observe the effect of the treatment adopted ; hence question as
to the result.
In addition to the cases given above, a number of patients
have been visited in their own homes, but no record of such
visits has been kept.
Not many cases of special interest have been met with in our
practice, but the following may perhaps interest our medical
friends.
Case I. — A man, aged twenty-seven, presented himself at the
dispensary, complaining of weakness of the arms. On examination
we found symptoms of progressive atrophy of all the muscles of
both arms ; the scapula; could be raised from the body nearly
two inches, but were drawn back as if by elastic bands.
We could do nothing for him, for the disease had been pro-
gressing over six years.
Case 2. — In March last, a builder was brought in from a city
three days' journey from here, suffering from atrophy of all the
muscles of the thighs, and shortening of the flexors. Patient
stated that twelve months previous to admission he was exposed
while in a boat to severe cold, and had been unable to extend
his legs since that time. He had resolved to commit suicide if
we could give him no hope of recovery. We commenced
gradual extension by means of elastic bands, and afterwards by
the pully and weight method. For a long time the case seemed
hopeless, but in December he had so far recovered as to be able
to walk with the aid of a stick, and returned home to continue
the treatment by means of the pully apparatus, which we pre-
sented to him.
Another similar case was admitted, but the patient left on the
second day because he was not allowed to smoke opium in the
ward.
Case 3. — The following extract from our Case Book is of
peculiar interest because of the rareness of the disease.
Exophthalmos. — Chao-Hioh-ki, farmer, age forty-five, of
Penglai Hien ; sight destroyed several years ago by inflamma-
tion ; eye-ball protruding, and enlarged to a diameter of over
two inches.
We separated the tumour from the eyelids, and dissected down
into the orbit without much hemorrhage, but on passing round
the scissors to divide the optic nerve, there was a sudden rush of
black, foul smelling blood. The eye-ball collapsed, but the
hemorrhage continued, so we cleared out the orbit as quickly as
possible, and plugged it with cotton.
On examining the excised eye, we found it converted into a
sac. The position of the cornea was marked by a dark opaque
disc, but the contents of the eye had evidently been destroyed
by the pressure within, and a large venous tumour formed.
The case progressed nicely, and the patient left the hospital
on the 2Sth day after the operation.
Case 4. — Four years ago a patient was under our treatment
for what seemed to be chronic lumbago. He ceased to attend
the dispensary after a few weeks, but turned up again in May-
last with psoas abscess, extending half-way down the right
thigh, and pointing below Poupart's ligament on the left.
Patient was much emaciated, and we admitted him only on the
condition that his friends would undertake to defray the cost of
his funeral.
We evacuated the abscess daily by means of an aspirator, and
in four months it was completely healed. Necrosis of the femur
was afterwards discovered, but he refused to submit to our
operation, and left the hospital.
Cast 5. — A poor, ill-fed coolie was taken in, suffering from
gangrene of the first and third toes of the left foot ; those of the
right foot had been removed a year or two ago.
We applied Esmarck's bandage, and amputated the toes, but
on removing the tourniquet no bleeding occurred. After keep-
ing the wounds open fifteen minutes we applied antiseptic dress-
ing, and on the third day healthy granulation had begun to form.
The patient left our care on the 21st day, the wounds almost
completely healed.
This case is somewhat remarkable for the rapid healing of
the wounds in a patient with such low vital powers.
Case 6. — A curious case of congenital " right heart " mi
presented in the dispensary. The patient, a young man about
nineteen years old, applied for relief for a cough which had
troubled him for some months. On examining his chest we
discovered that the position of the contents of the thorax was
entirely reversed, the apex beat of the heart being seen and heard
CHINAS MILLIONS.
141
PRINCE KUNG.
142
CHINA'S MILLIONS.
about an inch below the right nipple and a little in toward the
sternum.
Case 7. — This was a case of purpura, the only one ever seen
in our practice here. The patches of extravasation varied from
a point to ig in. in diameter, and were situated chiefly on the
outer aspects of the legs and the buttocks ; several patches were
also observed in the mouth.
Tr. ferri and ergot were given on theoretical grounds, and
proved successful. The dark red spots on the legs changed in a
few days to yellow, and had disappeared from the feet on the
fifth day. Patient then ceased to attend, so we had no further
opportuniiy of observing the progress of the case.
In August last a Chinese man-of-war came into port, wilh a
crew of Ningpo sailors. Three of the men applied to us for
relief of some apparently trifling ailment, but we discovered
symptoms of mitral disease in each ca-e. They stated that
thirteen of their shipmates were similarly affected, but we had
no opportunity of examining them.
The number of cases brought unc'er our notice which the
patients attribute to "passion," are too many and varied to
mention here. Two women were in our care for the relit f of
glaucoma, brought on by fits of anger, and we frequently meet
with cases of total blindness due to the same cause.
An officer of the Taotai's yamen presented himse'f here a few
months ago, suffering from pericarditis, which he declared had
commenced during an attack of what he called the " anger dis-
ease ; " and scarce a day passes without our receiving applica-
tions for medicine for the cure of some gastro-hepatic derange-
ment caused by uncontrollable anger.
The patients are not in the least ashamed to admit that anger
is the cause of their complaints, for they consider themselves the
irresponsible victims of a disease which they cannot control, and
don't try to.
In England there is a " Society for the Prevention of Cruelty
to Children," and if such a society is needed in so enlightened
a country, we need not wonder that in this heathen land,
female children especially, should be subjected to much ill-usage,
and their lives considered of little value. Of this sad fact we
meet wilh many evidences, and the following case is only one
of many. A little girl, aged eleven, was brought to the hospital
by her uncle, who is a member of our church. lie stated that
the child had been suffering from intense pain in the stomach
for many months, and that her father had decided to kill her
because she cried and disturbed his peace. A few doses of
santonine brought away a number of large ascaridc, and so
removed the cause of her suffering. Note the difference between
the heathen father and the Chrisiian uncle. One would murder
his own offspring because her cry of pain annoyed him. The
other rescued the child, paid for her support while in hospital,
and hired a woman to nurse her during tde three or four weeks
she was under our care.
OPIUM-SMOKERS.
Only six victims of the opium habit have been admitted into
the hospital, and two of these left before the cure was com-
pleted ; one of them, a military officer, was expelled f >r break -
irg our rules, and going out without leave. Our arrangements
are scarcely suitable for the successful treatment of opium-
S'nokers, who require stricter surveillance than we can exercUe
over them. As with the habitual drunkard of our own country,
so with the Chinese opium-smoker — there is little hope of per-
manent reformation, unless he is truly converted, and so
enabled to look to God for power to overcome his enslaving habit.
Opium-smoking is not so common here as in other ports,
most, of the people being too poor to indulge in that luxury to
any great extent.
The importation of foreign opium into this province has
decreased considerably during the last few years. This, un-
happily, is not due to decrease of the amount consumed, but to
the increase and improvement in quality of the native produ.t.
(Dire year tot Cjpnar.
FROM MR. ARCHIBALD ORR EWING.
SHANGHAI, June \olh.— u Bless the Lord, O my
soul; and all that is within me, files-, llis holy
name!" Such is the note of praise which comes fiom the
bottom of my heart, as I look back on the past year.
What a retrospect of the Lord's love, bounty, patience,
faithfulness, is seen to have marked day after day,
throughout its course!
NO REGRET.
Is there one shade of regret at having come forth to this
land of heathen darkness, where, in visible and unmis-
takable reality, the Devil reigns? No ; such a thought
has never been seriously entertained, even if it has
crossed one's mind, for a moment. The burden upon my
soul has been the salvation of the perishing millions of
China. Oh ! for more love to them. Oh ! for a truer
coming down to them, as the LORD Jesus, who gave up
"the form of GOD,"and took "the form of a bond ser-
vant," making Himself of no reputation, the result being,
GOD gave Him a name above every other name ! These
thoughts are the subject of meditation, with the desire
that one may be all things to all men, if by any means wc
may save some.
THE REALITY OF GOD'S WORD.
To one who has been growing in grace, and in the
knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, the
reality of His word is increasingly felt. Lust, that it is
to be done in us, for otherwise we shall be hearers only,
and not doers of the word, thus deceiving ourselves.
Second, as to its power in the conversion of sinners, when
we have the promise, that it should not return to Him
void. Thirdly, as to the unlimited power we have, if we
are walking to please GOD and grasping the promises by
faith ; we then learn a little of the fact, that all things are
possible to him that believeth. We are also met by the
sure fact, that for the heathen to die in their sins is to be
'• without excuse" ; and the cry goes up to heaven, Oh !
my God, let not the blood of any be required at my hand,
who am Thy watchman ; let me not cease to give the
wicked warning; that I may be free from blood-guiltiness
(See Ezek. xxxiii ).
THE HEART FIXED ON CHINA.
With such a train of thoughts filling one's mind, and
moving the whole being, surely one can appreciate our
Lord's saying, " No man having put his hand to the
plough, and looking back, is fit for the Kingdom of GOD "
(Luke ix. 62). You will not, therefore, be surprised that
my whole heart is bound up in the salvation of the
Chinese; any thought such as that of a run home, to see
many loved ones in Scotland, is quite foreign. This
subject has, however, been suggested more than once of
late. As I date my letter from Shanghai — the port at
which I arrived a little more than a year since — several
friends questioned, to see if I would not work in Shanghai,
to which I replied, it was the place I should least care to
stay in in all the empire. Then followed the query, Would
CHINA'S MILLIONS.
i43
you not caie to go home ? I felt to stay in Shanghai would
be a little hard, but to go home, I scarcely liked to think
of that ; however, I was led to say, I would even go home,
if I saw it was the Lord's will.
JOY IN THE WORK.
These personal allusions I little care for, but it is the
only way to make clear how the blessed LORD does
satisfy our souls with Himself, and gives us such joy in
our work, and such love towards these dear Chinese,
that all thought of sacrifice or regret has positively no
place. So much has the call of GOD to work among the
people of Sinim taken possession of my heart, that
although during my stay in this port we have had precious
work, specially among the blue-jackets and marines in
H.M. service, and some of the residents, still the old love
for the souls of my fellow-countrymen had not increased,
whereas I longed to get away to the work among the
people, where the few words I can speak for the SAVIOUR
in Chinese would be understood. The privilege we,
who come forth in obedience to the Lord's call, find
His service as ambassadors to be, is not easily described.
It is a "high calling," being far above any other upon earth.
We may well praise the Lord, who, in His infinite
grace, entrusted us to bear " His message 1 ' to those who
sit in darkness and in the shadow of death. Would to
God all those who come forth were content to preach
His message alone.
TWO HUNDRED CONVERTS.
There are few who have had the joy in the first year
of seeing over 200 converts baptised ; not that I can
claim any share in this, which took place in Hung-t'ung,
where Messrs. Stanley Smith and Hoste are working,
but you will understand how fully I could rejoice with
them in their joy. Then it was my delight to sit at the
Lord's table with nearly 400 members of the church, at
this same place, and to remember His death. What a
glorious sight, as we handed round the elements of His
broken body and shed blood, to the dear native brethren.
There were mingled feelings, first of thankful gratitude
to our precious Redeemer, and then joy unspeakable, as
one thought of the mighty work of the Holy Spirit in
these hearts, andof the possibilities ofthese lives, if wholly
yielded up to GOD. Nor was the thought vain, which,
before the Lord, claimed mighty things for these dear
ones.
A REMARKABLE TESTIMONY.
I had one illustration. One of the newly -received con-
verts gave a deeply interesting testimony, to which I
must not do more than allude, as I did not understand
him well. On Monday he returned to his village ; and
on the way he was offered a lift by a kind carter. To
this man he preached the Gospel, when the carter there
and then decided to accept Christ. Reaching home,
our brother received a mighty baptism of the Holy
Spirit, being unable to eat, and was continually praying
and praising ; so much so, that, as of old, the friends
thought there was something wrong ! When Smith and
Hoste went out to see him, on their invitation, they were
satisfied he had been experiencing something of the
power and presence of God, for he was calm and col-
lected in his speech.
the lord's goodness.
What can I render unto the Lord for all His good-
ness? I do realise more and more my utter un worthiness
to have anything like the portion the LORD has chosen
for me ! " One year in China !" if I were to attempt to
recount the Lord's goodness, His exceeding abundant
blessings, I should entirely fail. He says, He will give
good things to those who ask, with much more willing-
ness than earthly parents do to their children. Oh, let
us run in the way of His commandments ; let us so run
that we may obtain ; then we shall say, " It is a good
thing to give thanks unto the LORD," " for Thou, LORD,
hast made me glad through Thy work."
Ciirhtgg from SD'ai-pxir.
FROM MISS STEVENS.
JULY 5///. — Praise the Lord, seventeen were baptised
on July 2nd — nine men and eight women. We are
beginning to see the showers that we have waited and
prayed for. The mandarin's widow, that you will have
heard about, was not allowed to be baptised ; at the last,
her brother, a mandarin in office, said that if she went,
then she must not come back again. She was not prepared
for this just then ; but we believe that, if need be, she
will be ready to leave all and follow Jesus. The native
Christians are praying that her brother may be converted,
and we will pray for it too, for " nothing is too hard for
the Lord.'' I believe that [all over China this year we
shall have a mighty blessing, and many will be brought
into the kingdom.
FROM MISS CHARLOTTE M. KERR, TO MR. STEVENSON.
T'ai-yiicn, June 22nd — Truly the'LoRD is doing great things
for us, and we aie glad in His never-ending salvation. How
gloriously true it is that " His presence is salvation" from sin,
and from sorrow, and fiom spiritual feebleness. A glorious
Saviour is Jesus, and all the days to come will only unfold
more and more of His grace and power towards us. He does
bless me and make me know Him as my satisfying God and
portion.
I am alone now in the ladies' house, Miss Broomhall and
Miss Stevens having gone to the East Hills ten days ago ; so
T'ai-t'ai has been staying with me for a week. She is so truly
the Lord's, and so truly taught of Him ! I can go out, know-
ing that any women who come will hear the Gospel and have
decision for Christ pressed upon them. She is like a sister to
me. Her father was Fu-t'ai (viceroy) in this city some years ago,
and she knows great numbers of people. All her friends know
that she is a disciple of Jesus. She called on Mrs. Edwards a
few days after I arrived in T'ai-yi'ien, and while talking to her
we found out that she had known the first Mrs. Riley in
Chen-t'u ; she only knew her one month, but a deep impression
had been made on her mind — more by Mrs. Riley's goodness
than an) thing else.
I think she understood very little except that Jesus had made
Mrs. Riley's heart clean and good. She was much interested to
meet a friend of Mrs. Riley's, and in a few days came here to
see us. I asked her to remain a few days, and share my room,
saying little about her opium-smoking, for I felt sure that the
Lord would work in her heart. The night after she came was
Sunday, and both Miss Broomhall and I remained with her in
the evening, Miss Broomhall speaking most earnestly to her.
Then and there she trusted Jesus, and gave me her opium-pipe.
She took very little medicine, constantly praying when she felt
144
CHINAS MILLIONS.
poorly ; and ever since she has loved her Bible and prayer, and
continued her bright testimony. She is a widow, and lives with
her brother, a mandarin in this city.
Several Manchu women, I believe, love and trust Jesus here,
but they have not the courage to be bap'tized. Better days
have begun for T'ai-yiien, and great blessing is sure to come.
To-morrow a poor sick woman is coming here ; she is seek-
ing Jesus, and feels her opium-pipe stands between her and sal-
vation. I believe God will bless her and make her strong in faith.
Now about Ta-ning. I am so glad you mentioned it. I was
asking the Lord to mike my place of settled work clear. I do
not feel that Tai-yiien is the place for me. I want to get at the
poor people more, and to go in and out among them as one of
themselves. There seems no special moving of the Spirit in
the villages round here. I long to be where the Spirit is mov-
ing. It is glorious to live absolutely only for Jesus and souls,
nothing grieving but the thought of grieving Him.
EXTRACTS FROM LETTERS FROM DR. EDWARDS.
CHEN-KEO.— On July ist Mrs. Edwards and I came up to
the hills 30 It to the east of T'ai-yiien. We first visited
this place two years ago, and then stayed in a neighbouring
temple. During our stay here we have been enabled to help
four men and one woman to give up their opium, and now there
are many in neighbouring villages wishing to break off the
habit. The more we see of these village people the more we
pity them. Opium is a great curse to them — a large proportion
of the people smoke it, and it is extensively grown in these hills.
In one district 40 ft from here they tell us that nothing but
opium is grown, and nearly every day we see companies of four
and five'men pass in that direction. When we ask them where
they are going, they say: "To Heo-shan ; " what for? "To
cut opium." We find these village people very friendly, but
densely ignorant and apathetic : but few of them can read, so if
they are to be reached, it must be by Christians — foreign or
Chinese— visiting them. But where are the workers? Only
yesterday we were saying that if the whole 100 to come out this
year were sent to this province, they could be placed here and
there in different towns and villages, and one not be able to
find his fellow. As there are now so many open doors in this
district, we all hope that some at least of the hundred may find
their way here.
Chen-keo, near Tai-yiien. — On Tuesday, July 21st, we started
at 6 a.m. to visit a temple. We arrived before it was very hot,
and returning in the cool of the afternoon, reached home by dark.
I took four photos, of the temple and its surroundings, but the
beauty of the situation cannot be put on paper. It does grieve
one's heart to" find here as of old, " idols under every green tree
and on every high hill." This temple is a very celebrated one
and kept in good repair ; it is built on the side of a beautifully
wooded hill. On the eighth day of the fourth moon it is said to
be visited by thousands of devotees, even many women climbing
or riding up the steep mountain path. This is the only temple
where I have seen idols enclosed in glass cases.
The superstition and ignorance of this people might indeed
make us despair of their ever becoming Christians, did we not
know that our message was backed up by Divine power. Praise
God, it is being manifested in the hearts of some. Only this
morning one of the women who broke off opium with us in the
city came to Mrs. Edwards and said she would like to be bap-
tised, as she really wanted to be a disciple of the Lord Jesus.
The men, too, who are breaking off their opium, though they
had never heard the Gospel before, now know the principal facts,
and we pray for the power of the Holy Spirit to really convert
them. Men from other villages around have come to ask about
giving up their opium, and as we are able to help them we may
find an entrance into many of these villages, if we can only find
time to take advantage of the opportunities.
In fact, there are open doors on every hand. " Say not ye,
there are yet four months, and then cometh the harvest ? Be-
hold, I say unto you, Lift up your eyes and look on the fields,
that they are white already unto harvest." Oh, that these words
and the preceding words of our Lord — " My meat is to do the
will of Him that sent Me and to accomplish His work " — might
ring in the ears of Christians at home. Is it that many won't
" lift up their eyes and look on the fields, " lest they should then
hear the Master telling them to go in and reap ? Or is it that
some are so occupied with their money-making, pleasure, etc.,
that they have no time to " lift up their eyes " ? Oh, that the Holy
Spirit would, indeed, ring out these words, " Lift up your eyes,
lift up your eyes," until all Christendom should hear them. The
time is short ; and soon, very soon it may be, there will be another
" lift up your eyes." " Lift up your eyes, for the King of glory
cometh." Whether Christians at home long for that coming or
not I don't know, but I know we missionaries do. When we
see the sin and misery, the superstition and ignorance, we cry,
" Come, Lord Jesus, come quickly"
July i^th. — From others you may have heard that on July
2nd we had the joy of baptising nine men and eight women. I
should like to send you some little account of them as there is
something of interest about all, but must reserve it. Some were
brought to us through the medical work, some through the
opium-refuge work, and others have come we' hardly know how :
we rejoice to know that they have found Christ as their
Saviour.
% Ifisit to Cai-mtw,
EXTRACTS FROM THE LETTERS
AUGUST 14/V/.— As I am ncaring Pao-ting Fu, I take
the first opportunity to tell you how the LORD
graciously prospered me at T'ai-yiien. After a journey
full of mercies I arrived there on July 22nd, leaving
again on August 5th. While in T'ai-yiien, I was fully a
week in bed, and the quiet that the illness imposed upon
me was most distinctly blessed to me.
It was a great joy to me to find dear Mr. Hsi much
advanced in the divine life ; nothing filled me with
greater delight than to see how God had answered the
many prayers that have gone up for him. By God's
grace he will become more and more useful in the Lord's
work. He entered most heartily into all our plans for
consolidation and extension, and is full of hope for the
future. He even thinks it is possible to establish opium-
refuges in most of the cities south of T'ai-yiien within
three years. I have asked him to open some at once at
Hsiao-i Hien and Fen-chau Fu, and he will also open
one at either K'i Hien or P'ing-yao. He is delighted with
the proposal for Mr. Orr Ewing to go to Hung-t'ung.
FROM REV. J. W. STEVENSON.
Mr. Hudson Broomhall is glad to get back to T'ai-
yiien, and will be a great help to Dr. Edwards.
The work in T'ai-yiien was never so promising as now.
We must not relax our prayers for it. Dr. Stewart is
useful in the dispensary and hospital ; he works hard at
the language. Messrs. Stanley Smith and Hoste have
gone to the hills for six weeks' study before returning
south. I am fairly in love with Shan-si and the Shan-
si people ! This visit has been delightful. I do long to
see the beautiful and peaceful districts between this and
T'ai-yiien fully occupied by servants of the Lord. The
prayer for the hundred workers has been intensified during
this visit, and I am going back to Shanghai full of hope
and expectation that God will do greater things than we
have dared to expect.
August 22/id. — I hope to reach Tien-t'sin in an hour
or two. I feel very much the better for this Shan-si
trip ; it has been a real rest and holiday, and I shall
return to my work much fitter and fresher than when I
left it.
CHINA'S MILLIONS.
MS
Jfntils 0f tebel,
FROM MR. M. BE A [/CHAMP.
SI-GAN, June 0.0th. — The weather is remarkably cool
here, and the whole journey was delightful, though
the last part would naturally have been trying. His cloud
was always my shelter, both figuratively and literally.
But what I most rejoice in is the fact that the Lord
seems to be showing that my journeying has not been in
vain. I have travelled in three carts this summer, and
all three carters have expressed their desire to become
Christians. The last one, with whom I came from
P'ing-yang, is, perhaps, the most satisfactory, for, by the
grace of God, I think he was enabled to break off his
opium, not relying upon the medicine only, but join-
ing us night and morning in prayer. I have not had
such opportunities for work on the road before ; it seemed
all along just like a harvest crying for reapers, I should
have liked to stay a day or two in so many places. The
universal desire to break off opium, both amongst the
poor and the better classes, is quite touching ; I think it
may be used of GOD to any extent for bringing these
poor slaves under the sound of the Gospel. All the way
south, too, seems very needy, the people so ready and
willing to listen to the Gospel.
You will remember that I mentioned in former letters
the conversion of one of my Ho-NAN barrowmen ; he is a
dear fellow, gets brighter and brighter. He quite fell in
love with Pastor Ch'u, and was greatly struck with Pastor
Hsi and all he saw at his home. His testimony along
the road must, I feel sure, be blessed, he is so ready at all
times and in all places, while he lives an outwardly unre-
proachable life. He has been made a real blessing to me.
gbrjT
HAN-CHUNG, May 15th— Dear Hughesdon and I
had arranged to go together to the small country
village about twenty ti (six miles) from the city, where
there are a few natives who believe the Gospel, and some
inquirers. Calling in at Dr. Wilson's house, he asked
me to go to Shih-pah-li-p'u for him and to take the ser-
vice there. After some little thought, I undertook it in
the strength of my Master, expecting Him to use the
worm for His glory ; and Mr. Hughesdon and I separa-
ted, going in different directions on the King's service.
He, sure enough, was with me, and blessed me much.
I took the first miracle of our Lord, as this was my first
regular service in Chinese.
May 17th. — I accompanied Brother Hughesdon outside
the city and bade him farewell, commending him to our
loving Father's keeping. It was very nice to see Mr.
Liu carrying a burden of books like an ordinary coolie ;
it tends to show that he is in earnest for the Lord's
work. He is a bright and true Christian we trust, though
not yet a member of the Church ; he feels he has been
called of God to do evangelistic work, and we only hope
it is really so. May I ask prayer for him that he may
become a red-hot Christian. Oh, how such men are
needed !
Pao-ning Fu, August 6th. — My first word from this
place must be one of unspeakable joy and thankfulness
to God for at length allowing me the privilege of enter-
ing Si-ch'uen, the province in which I believe He has
called me to labour for Him.
Brother Phelps and I left Han-chung July 26th, and
arrived here yesterday, August 5th. Great was my joy
to meet my dear brother Cassels again after two and a
half years. My heart is so full of gratitude to GOD !
Oh that my daily life here may be to His praise, and
that His light in me may so shine before these dear
people that ere long many may be won to Christ !
laptiams m §(mm0.
FROM MR. P. A. STEVEN,
BHAMO, August 4th. — Last Sunday was a red-letter
day in my own life and in the lives of the Christians
of the church here. To God alone and abundantly be
praise for His goodness to us. After considerably wait-
ing, and much prayerful consideration of the cases, I
decided that it was my duty, as well as an unspeakable
privilege, to administer Christian baptism to two candi-
dates. One of these is a Chinaman called Lao-sung ; he
has had an eventful history, having been by turns a tailor
and a boatman, a military officer (in which capacity he
took part in the defence of Yunnan Fu against the Mo-
hammedans), a peripatetic cake vendor, a civil official on
the Burmese border, and a servant to missionaries. I first
met him at I-chang four years ago ; he had accompanied
Brother Andrew from Ta-li Fu. Later I met him again
at Chung-k'ing, and he accompanied me to Ta-li. In
those days he professed to be a Christian, but I believe it
was not so ; he was very unsatisfactory afterwards. He
was of great service to me in crossing the frontier, and of
late his industry and desire to please, with other character-
istics not manifest before, corroborate his statement that
he trusts Christ alone, and purposes through life to be
His disciple.
Lao-wu, the other, is a dear young Shan, who was with
Brother Stevenson, and learnt the Gospel from him. I
think his love for and faith in Christ is largely conse-
quent upon faithful teaching then received.
God grant that these two may be bright and shining
lights for His glory. I know your hearts will rejoice over
this good news from afar land, and I trust, and am sure,
that you will pray that blessings may fall richly even
upon poor Bhamo. Our GOD has treasuries full of rich
grace for each of us.
146
CHINAS MILLIONS.
% |labbcrjr in ®s w-rjmt.
ON June 15th Mr. and Mrs. Burnett had retired to
rest when a loud knocking was heard at their door.
Opium medicine was asked for, for some one who
had attempted suicide, but when the door was opened
some men rushed in with clubs and sticks. Mr. Burnett
received some blows, but managed, with his wife, to escape
through the bedroom window into a cottage near, where
they stayed until daylight. Everything belonging to
them was stolen or destroyed, and the house was wrecked.
Mr. Burnett asked the mandarin that search should be
made for his things ; and their money and many of their
things have since been returned, though some of them are
ruined. The mandarin has also written a proclamation,
and had it posted in the streets, that the foreigners can
hire a house in any part of the city they like, which they
could not do before. The ladies' house was unmolested.
Messrs. Botham and Graham Brown have arrived to
work there during the summer.
FROM MR. ARTHUR POLHILL-TURNER.
Pao ning, Aug. 6th. — Every one is delighted with the
house here : it is indeed good of the Lord to give it to us ;
and now we are beginning a real determined attack upon
the devil's kingdom here. My brother left two days ago
for the north. May the Lord guide. Thibet seems to
be much laid upon his heart. A mail from Ts'in-chau
arrived this morning. Mr. Beauchamp's visit was greatly
blessed to them all, and they are go ; ng ahead there.
The showers are coming : we are pleading for souls here
this year, and feel sure that the Lord is going to do
something worthy of His great Name.
A
C(jc |)imbrciX
BRIEF statement in reference to those who have left during the year, or who are about to
leave will interest our readers.
In the earlier months of the year 31 left for China.
The following 23 new workers are now on their way with the eight returning missionaries : —
Left by P. and O. Steamer
Bengal, on Thursday,
August 25th.
MR. J.J. COULTHARD.
,, W. J. Lewis.
,, A. II. Faers.
„ Alex. IIoddle.
,, J. O. Curnow.
,, I, F. Drysdale.
,, D.J. Mills.
,, James Adam.
,, Arch. Gracie.
Left by P. and O. Steamer
Tluunes, on Friday.Septem-
ber 9th.
Mr. Tomkinson.
Mrs. Tomkinson.
Miss Maud Holme.
,, II. R. Waldie.
,, A. K. Ferriman.
,, S. F. Bastone.
,, A. K. Hook.
,, Harriet Cutt.
,, Emma Fryer.
Left by P. and O. Steamer
Ganges, on Thursday, Sep-
tember 22nd.
* Mr. Rudland.
* Mrs. Rudland and child.
* Mr. Tomalin.
* Mrs. Tomalin.
* Mr. Elliston.
* Mrs. Elliston and
children.
Left by P. and O. Steamer
Kaisar-i-Hind. on Ihurs-
day, October 6th.
* Mr. A. C. Dorward.
„ Stooke.
mrs.stooke and two boys.
Mr. A. Ewing.
„ D. Lawson.
,, A. II. Huntley.
Mr. H. N. Macgregor.
To jo:n the party at Sutz.
The following 24 new workers (d.v.) leave as under, as also three missionaries returning to the field : —
To leave by P. and O. Steamer on Thursday,
October 20th.
To leave by P. and O. Steamer on Thursday,
November 3rd.
To leave by P. »nd O.
Steamer on Thursday,
November 17th.
* Mr. Pigott. Miss M. Palmer.
Mr. Ririe. Mr. A. Lutley.
Miss Graham Brown.
* Mrs.Pigottandchild. „ E. Hainge.
.. Redfern. „ Jos. Yale.
„ Campbell.
* Miss Fanny Boyd. „ M. MITCHELL.
„ R. Wrllwood „ J as. Simpson.
„ Hanbury.
„ Florence Ellis. „ E. Marchbank
„ A. R. S.u-nders. Mrs. Simpson.
„ Williams.
„ Clara Ellis. „ I. W. Ramsay.
„ A. Bland. Mr. Thos. Eyres
„ J. Arthir.
„ Williamson. „ Gertrude Ord
And others.
Up to date (October 15th) 1 1 others have been accepted, bringing the number to 89.
For all these, and that the right decision may be come to concerning many whose offers
are yet under consideration, we ask the prayers of our readers.
* Missionaries returning.
CHINA'S MILLIONS.
147
cStsf of l^frofesfcmf Missionaries in
§§xna in gutp, 1887.
The names of the Male Missionaries are given in Small Capitals (China) ; those of Medical Missionaries are in blacker Type
(China) ; and Ordained Medical Missionaries in blacker Capitals (CHINA). Lady Missionaries are indicated by Italic Type (China) ;
and Medical Ladies by Italic Capitals (CHINA). Unmarried men are indicated by an asterisk (*). Absent Missionaries are
indicated by a dagger (t).
{gncjfts^ g>octefies.
See "China's Millions" for October, pages 132, 133.
Jlwencan §ocxetie$.
gfovtgregattottci f,
1830.
THE AMERICAN BOARD'S
MISSION, 1830.
Kalgan.
Williams, Rev. Mark )866
Diament, Miss Nao?ni . . 1870
Sprague, Rev. W. P. 1874
Roberts, Rev. J. H. .. 1877
MURDOCH, Miss V. C,
m.d 1881
Peking.
Blodget, Rev. H., d.d.
Chapin, Jl/iss Jennie E.
Noble, Mr. W. C.
Haven, Miss Ada . .
Aiken, Rev. E. E.
Goodrich, Rev. C.t ..
185*
1871
1878
1879
1885
1865
T'ung-chow.
Sheffield, Rev. D. Z.
Andrews, Miss Mary . .
Evans, Miss Jennie
HOLBROOK, Miss M.
A., M.D.f
Beach, Rev. H. P. ..
Tientsin.
Stanley, Rev. C. A.f
Perkins, Rev. H. P.
Tai-ku.
Stimson, Rev. M. L. ..
Atwood, Rev. I. J.
Clapp, Rev. D. H.
Price, Rev. P.M.
Paot'nj Fu.
Pierson, Rev. Isaac ..
Mcrritt, M. D.,c p.w. ..
P'ang-chwang.
Peck, A. P., m.d
Smith, Rev. A. H.t ..
PORTER, Rev. H. D., M.D.
Porter, Miss Mary H.f
Chapin, Rev. F. M.
1869
1868
18S1
1883
1862
1882
isai
1882
1870
1885
i88j
1882
1872
)868
1880
Foochow.
Baldwin, Rev. C. C,
D.D.f 1848
Hart well, Rev. C. .. 1853
Woodin, Rev. S. F. ..
Walker, Rev. J. E. ..
Whitney, H. T., m.d. ..
Newton, Miss E.J.
Garretson, Miss E. M. . .
Hartwell, Miss E. S.-\ . .
Hubbard, Rev. G. H.
WOODHULL, Miss,
M.D
Woodhull, Miss H. C...
Hongkong.
Hager, Rev. C. R.* ..
i860
1872
1877
1878
1S80
1884
1884
1884
1881
"gSapfisi, 1834.
BAPTIST MISSION UNION,
1834.
Ningpo.
Lord, Rev. E. C., d.d. 1847
Barchet, S. P., m.d 1868
Goddard, Rev. J. R. : 1868
Inveen, Miss E.\ .. ., 1879
Stewart, Miss 1886
Shao-hing.
Jenkins, Rev. H i?6o
Hang-chow.
Mason, Rev. G. L. .. 1880
Kin-hwa.
Adams, Rev. J 1877
Swatow.
Ashmore, Rev. W.,
d.d.* 18^7
Partridge, Rev. S. B. 1868
Ashmore, Rev. W.,jun. 1^80
Fielde, Miss A. M. .. i865
Thompson, Miss M. E.f 1876
DANIELLS, Miss C.
H.u.v.f 1F78
Burical, Miss M. A. . . 1884
Hess, Miss C. M. ,. .. 18 36
SOUTHERN BAPTIST
MISSION, 1847.
Tengchow.
Crawford. Rev. T. P.,
d.d.
1852
Holmes, Mrs. S. J.f . . 1859
Moon, Miss L 1873
Pruitt, Rev. C W.* . . 1882
Whanghien. •
Joiner, Rev. J. M. . . 1884
DAVAULT, Rev. E. E... 1884
Shanghai.
Yates, Rev. M. T., d.d. 1847
Herring, Rev. D.W. . 1886
Hunnex, Rev. W. J.f .. 1882
Chinkiang.
Bryan, Rev. R. T. . . 1886
Canton.
GRAVES, Rev. R,, m.d.,
d.d 1856
Simmons, Rev. E. Z. . , 1871
IVhilden, Miss L. F. .. 1874
Stein, Miss S. E 1886
Young, Miss E 1 880
SEVENTH-DAY BAPTIST
MISSION, 1847.
Shanghai.
Davis, Rev. D. H. . . 1880
S WINNE Y, Miss E, F. ,
m.d 1883
1835.
PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL
MISSION, 1835.
Shanghai.
Thomson, Rev. E. H.
Boone, Rt. Rev. W. J.,
D.D.f
Boone, H. W., M.D.f
Graves, Rev. F. R. . .
Spencer, Miss E- A.
Partridge, Rev. b. C*
Griffith, E. M., m.d
Pott, Rev. F. L. H.
Thorne, Mr. J
I8S9
18(9
18*0
1801
1883
18*4
i8«5
1886
1877
Wuchang.
Deas, W. A,, m.d.* . .
1J81
Sowerby, Rev. H.
Protheroe, Mr. T.
Hankow.
Locke, Rev. A. H.
.. 1S81
.. 1883
stems, 1838.
PRESBYTERIAN MISSION,
NORTH, 1838.
Peking.
Lnorie, Mrs. A. P. .. 1854
Wherry, Rev. J.f .. 18:14
McCoy, Rfv. D. C. .. 1869
Whiting, Rev. J. L. ,. 1869
Atterbury, B. C, M.n.* .. 1879
Lowrie, Rev. J. W.*.. 1883
Lowrie, Miss M.J. .. 1883
Taylor, George T., m.d. . . 1880
Tengchow.
Mills, Rev. C. R., d.d. 1857
Mateer, Rev. C. W.,
d.d 1863
Shaw, Mrs. M. H.f ..1874
Hayes, Rev. W. M. . . 1882
Neal,J. B., m.d 1883
Weihien.
Mateer, Rev. Robt. .. 1881
Laughun, Rev. J. H. 1 881
HUNTER, Rev. S. H., m.d. 1879
Chefoo.
Nevius, Rev. J. L., d.d. 18^4
Corbett, Rev. H.f .. 1863
LEVENBERGER.Rev.J.A. l866
Chalfant, Rev. W.P. 1885
Coltman, Robt , m.d. .. 1885
Hays, Rev. G. S 1886
Chinanfu.
Murray, Rev. J.f
Reid, Rev. G.* . .
Bergen, Rev. P. ..
Nanking.
Leaman, Rev. C. . .
Abbey, Rev. R. E.
.. 18-6
.. 1882
.. 1883
.. 1871
.. 1882
CHINAS MILLIONS.
Soochow.
Hayes, Rev. J. N. .. 1882
Lyon, Rev. D. N. .. 1870
Shanghai.
Farnham, Rev. J. M.
W., d.d i860
Smith, Rev. J. N. B. .. 1881
Ningpo.
Fitch, Rev. G. F.
Jlut/er, Mrs. John . . .
Warner, Mis's S. A. .
McKee, Rev. W. J.f.
Ilargchow.
Judson, Rev. J. PI. .
Mills, Rev. F. V.
1870
187S
1878
1879
.879
1882
Canton.
Happer, Rev. A. P.,
n.D.f
Kerr, J. G., m.d
No yes, Rev. H. V. ..
Noyes, Miss H.\ ..
Henry, Rev. B. C.
Happer, Miss A. C. ..
Fulton, Rev. A. A. ..
White, Rev. W. J. ..
THOMSON, Kev.J.C, m.d.
Butler, Miss E. M. . .
NILES, Miss M. W.,
A.M., m.d
Lewis, Miss H.
Baird, Miss M. A.
FULTON, Miss, A.M.,
M.D
Swan, J. M., m.d. ..
Wisner, Rev. O. F.
Wisjier, Miss J. E.
Hoihow.
Gilman, Rev. F. P. ..1886
McCandliss, H. M., m.d. 1885
Jeremiassen, C 1882
1844
J8.S4
1866
1868
1873
1880
1880
1880
188 1
1881
1882
1883
1884
1884
1885
1885
1885
AMERICAN REFORMED
MISSION, 1844.
Amoy.
Talmage, Rev. J.V. N.,
d.d 1847
Rapalje, Rev. D. .. 1859
Kip, Rev. L. W., d.d. 1861
Talmage, Miss M. E. . . 1874
Talmage, Miss CM. .. 1874
Van Dyck, Rev. A. S. 1883
Pitcher, Rev. P. W. .. 188?
King, Miss Y, May, M.D. 1887
SOUTHERN PRESBYTERIAN
MISSION, 1868.
Hangchow.
Stuart, Rev. J. L.
Randolph, Mrs. A. E...
Painter, Rev. G. W*
Kirkland, Miss H.
Johnson, Rev. J. F. ' . .
Tidball, Miss L
Soochow.
Du Bose, Rev. H. C. ..
Davis, Rev. J. "VV., d.d.
Stafford, Miss A. C. ..
Chinkiang.
Woodbridgf, Rev. S. I.
Woods, Rev. H. M. . .
Sydenstricrer, Rev.
A
1868
1872
'873
1873
1884
1886
1872
1873
1873
1884
1880
1847.
METHODIST EPISCOPAL
MISSION, 1847.
Peking.
Lowry, Rev. H. H.,
Supt.f 1867
Pilcher, Rev. L. W. . . 1870
Pyke, Rev. J. H 1873
Sears, Miss A. B 1880
Taft, Rev. M. L 1880
Hobart, Rev. W. T. . . 1882
Tewell, Mrs. C. M. .. 1883
Bown, Rev. F 1886
Green, Miss N. R. . . 1886
Tientsin.
Davis, Rev. G. R. .. 1870
Walker, Rev. W. F.. . 1873
GLOSS,MissA.D.,u.V>. 1885
Tsunhua.
Willits, Rev. O. W. .. 1880
Hopkins, N. S., m.d. .. 1886
Nanking.
Hart, Rev. V. C, Supt. 1866
Jackson, Rev. J 1882
Smydon, Rev. W. C. .. 1883
Longden, Rev. W.C. .. 1884
Beebe, B C, m.d 1884
STUART, Bev. G. A., m.d. 1886
Shaw, Miss Ella C. .. 1 35 7
Chungking.
Gameweli, Rev. F. D. 1881
Wheeler, Miss F. D.j .. l85c
Lewis, Rev. S.f .. .. 1881
Kiuktang.
LLOA G, Miss L . IL. , M . D . 1872
LLozve, J/iss G 1872
Hykes, Rev. J. R. .. 1S7}
Kupfer, Rev.C. F. .. 1^82
Cady, Rev. H. 1886
Wuhu.
Crews, G. B., m.d .. .. i83j
Walley, Rev. J i8?4
Banbury, Rev. J. J. .. 1387
Chinkiang.
Little, Rev. E. S.
Woodall, Rev. G. W.
Robinson, Miss M. C. . .
Foochow.
Sites, Rev. N
Ohlinger, Rev. F.f . .
Plumb, Rev. X. J.
Worley, Rev. J. H.
Smyth, Rev. G. B.t ..
Wilcox, Rev. M. C. . .
COREY, Miss C. A.,
M.D ,
PRA Y, Miss S., m.d. . ,
Jewell, Miss C.J
Fisher, Miss L. M.
1886
1882
18S4
1861
1870
i8;o
l8f2
1882
1882
1884
1886
1884
1884
METHODIST EPISCOPAL
(SOUTH) MISSION, 1848.
Shanghai.
Allen, Rev. Y. J.,ll.d.,
d.d
Reid, Rev. C. F
Muse, Miss A.J...
Bonnell, Rev. W. B. . .
Hay good, Miss L. A. ..
Nantsiang.
Hamilton, Miss D.
Royall, Rev. W. W.t
Atkinson, Miss J. . ,
i860
1872
1882
1884
1884
1S84
1S80
1874
Rankin, Mi s L
Loehr, Rev. G. R.
Soochow.
Parker, Rev. A. P.
Anderson, Rev. D. L.
Park, W. H.. m.d
PHLLLIPS, Miss M.,
M.D
Phillips, Miss L
1878
1880
1875
1882
1882
1884
18S4
"gfatrious.
WOMAN'S UNION MISSION-
ARY SOCIETY, 1861.
Shanghai.
REIFSXYDER, Miss
]■:.. m.d H5S3
McKechnie, Miss E. M. 1 88;
Andrezos, Miss E. C. . . 1887
Brunton, MiiS 1S87
AMERICAN BIBLE SOCIETY,
1876.
GULICK, Rev. L. H., M.D.,
Agent 18 ;6
Dalziel, Mr. J 1878
Ware, Mr. J 1881
Saull, Mr. G. £.• .. 1887
Kiukiang.
Copp, Mr. A 1887
Foochow.
Aminoff, Mr. John* .. 1884
Canton.
Wells Mr. H. R.« . . i£85
UNCONNECTED.
Chefoo.
Downing, Miss C B. . . 1866
FOREIGN CHRISTIAN MIS-
SIONARY SOCIETY, 1886.
Nanking.
Macklin, W. E., m.d. .. 188 1
H HARDEN, E. P 1886
Saw, A. F. H 1886
RHENISH MISSION, 1847.
Tungkun.
Dietrich, Rev. W.
Fukwing.
Genaehr, Rev. I.. ..
Thong-thau-ka.
Gottschalk, Rev. F.
F. R
187;
1882
1884
BERLIN FOUNDLING HOUSE
1850.
Hongkong.
Brandt, Miss L.ouise .. 1861
Si'tss, Miss Louise ., .. 1862
@o^tfi^^cnfa^ gocieftcs.
Hartmann, Rev. F. . . 1883
Schneebeli, Miss Anna . . 1883
G rote fend, Miss M. . . 1886
BASEL MISSION, 1847.
Hongkong.
Lfchler, Rev. R.f .. 1846
Reusch, Rev. G 1872
Bender, Rev. H 1862
Yunon.
Gussmann, Rev. G. .. 1869
Ziegler, Rev. G 1885
Kong, Rev. T 1871
Lgungchou.
Schaible, Rev. D. .. 1877
Ott, Rev. R.t .. .. 1873
Kayinchu.
Kutter, Rev. R.«
DilgeR, Rev. J.- ..
Sinon.
Ziegler, Rev. H.. . ..
Chan, Rev. M
Chan, Rev. A
Morgenroth, Rev. G.
Li, Rev. S
Loercher, Rev. J. G..
Schaub, Rev. M.f
Chonglok.
Kammerer, Rev. P.
Schultze, Rev. O.
Leonhardt, Rev. J.
Flad, Rev. J
1883
IS"
1 88.)
1862
1877
1878
1865
1874
1877
1881
1881
i8?6
BERLIN MISSION, 1850-1873.
RE-ESTABLISHED 1882.
Canton.
Hur.RiG.Rev. F. ..
. 1866
Kollerker, Rev. A.
.. 18S3
Fumui.
Yoskamp, Rev. J.. .
• i88|
Phaksa.
Lehmann, Rev. H. .
. 1882
GENERAL PROTESTANT
EVANGELICAL SOCIETY,
1884.
Shanghai.
Faber, Rev. E.* .. .. rSfG
China's Millions.
- S5 _ ikuntux
EATING-HOUSE ON THE SHORES OF THE PEI HO.
<3l Jletroepcct
BY J. HUDSON TAYLOR.
(Continued from page 136.)
N ARRIVAL at Swatow with the Rev. W. C. Burns we found great
difficulty in securing even a room on shore — indeed, it seemed as though
we should fail altogether; and we were helplessly cast upon the Lord in
prayer. God soon undertook for us. Meeting one day with a Cantonese
merchant, a relative of the mandarin in charge of the town, Mr. Burns
addressed him in the Cantonese dialect ; the merchant was so pleased at
being spoken to by a foreigner in his own tongue that he became our friend,
and secured for us a lodging. We had only one room, however, and never
shall I forget the hot, weary summer months in that oven-like place where
near the eaves one could touch the heated tiles with one's hand. More
room or better accommodation we were unable to obtain.
We varied our stay by visits to the surrounding country, but the difficulties and constant
dangers of our work together here were a strange contrast to the comparative ease with which
we had generally worked in the north. The hatred and contempt of the Cantonese was very
galling : "Foreign devil," "foreign dog," or "foreign pig" were the common appellations; but
our treatment led us into deeper fellowship with Him who was "despised and rejected of men"
than I had known before. In our visits to the country we were liable to be seized at any time
and held to ransom; and the people commonly declared that the whole district was "without
emperor, without ruler, without law : " might was right in those days. On one visit to a town
DECEMBER, 1 887.
iSo CHINAS MILLIONS.
we found the inhabitants had captured a wealthy man of another clan, and on his refusing to pay them
a large ransom for his release, had smashed his ankle-bones one after the other with a club, and thus
extorted the promise they desired. There was nothing but Gon's protection to prevent our being
treated in the same way. The towns were all walled; and one town would contain 10,000 or 20,000
people of the same clan and surname, who were frequently at war with the clan living in the next
town. To be kindly received in one town was sometimes a source of danger in the next. In circum-
stances like these the preserving care of our God was often manifested.
After a time the mandarin became ill, and the native doctors being unable to relieve him, he heard
from some who had been under my medical treatment of the benefit they had derived, and sought help
from me. God blessed the medicines he took, and, grateful for relief, he advised our renting a house
for hospital and dispensary. Having his permission, we were able to secure the whole house, one
room of which we had previously occupied. I had left my stock of medicine and surgical instruments
under the care of my friend, the late Mr. Wylie, in Shanghai, and went back to that port to fetch them.
Mr. Burns came down from a town we had visited several times before, called Am-po, to see me oft,
and returned there after I had sailed with two native evangelists sent up from Hong-kong. The
people were willing to listen to their preaching, and to accept their books as a gift, but would not buy
them. One night robbers broke in and carried off everything they had but their books, which were
supposed to be valueless. Next morning, very early, they were knocked up by persons wishing to buy
books, and the sale continued, so that by breakfast time they had not merely enough to procure food,
but to pay for the passage of one of the men to Double Island, below Swatow, with a letter to
Mr. Burns' agent to supply him with money. The sales went on during that day and the next, and
our friends lacked nothing : but on the third day they could not sell a single volume. On this day,
when the cash for their sales was exhausted, the messenger returned.
When I reached Shanghai, great was my dismay at finding the premises in which my medicines
and instruments had been stored, burnt down, and all the medicines and many of the instruments
destroyed. To me this appeared to be a great calamity, and I fear I was more disposed with faithless
Jacob to say, " All these things are against me," than to recognise that, " All tilings work together for
good." I had not learned to think of God as my one great circumstance {in Whom we live and move
and have our being), and of all lesser external circumstances, as necessarily the kindest, wisest, best,
because all ordered or permitted by Him. Hence my great disappointment and trial.
Medicines were very expensive in Shanghai, and my means were very limited ; I therefore set
out on an inland journey to Ningpo, hoping to obtain a supply from Dr. Wm. Parker, a member of the
same Mission as myself. I took with me my few remaining possessions — the principal being my
watch, a few surgical instruments, a concertina, books for the study of Chinese, which in those days
were very expensive (a dictionary cost £\2 to .£16) — leaving behind in Shanghai, however, a
part of my money. The country through which I passed was suffering much from drought,
and I made the journey a mission tour, preaching and circulating Testaments, Christian books and
sheet tracts, till my store was exhausted. The water in the Grand Canal was dried up or all pumped
out into the rice fields, and I had to leave my boat and travel overland ; but on the first day I was
robbed of my little all, and a series of experiences commenced, which having been narrated in " China's
Spiritual Need and Claims" (pages 76-85), need not be repeated here. The thief was a man for
whose salvation I had prayed and laboured, and it was a perplexing question to me whether to
prosecute or to forgive him. I concluded that to prosecute would not be to emphasize the teaching ot
the sermon on the Mount, and that his soul was of more value than the ^40 worth of things which I
had lost: this I wrote and told him, urging upon him repentance and faith in the Lord Jfsus Christ.
The course I took commended itself to some friends at home ; and one was led to send me a cheque
for ^40, which was only the first of many that I subsequently received from the same kind helper.
Having obtained the little money I had providentially left in Shanghai, I set out afresh for
Ningpo, where I obtained the needed supply of medicines, and made the acquaintance of Mr. Jones
(who subsequently became my colleague), and then returned to Shanghai, en route for Swatow. But
the delay caused by the robbers saved me from going there ; for before leaving the port, tidings of the
warlike proceedings in Canton, and of the bombardments which followed the troubles about the
lorcha " Arrow," reached me ; together witli letters from Mr. Burns, telling me not to return till the
restoration of peace.
This door being closed for the time, I went back to Ningpo, and commenced work there. It was
on my journey back that the sad, but to me most suggestive, incident occurred related on pages 2,6-lJ
of "China's Spiritual Need and Claims" — the drowning of poor Peter.
CHINA'S MILLIONS. 151
During the latter part of this year, 1856, my mind was greatly exercised about my connection
with my Society, it being in debt. Personally I had always avoided debt, and kept within my salary,
though at times only by very bare living. Now there was no difficulty in doing this, for my income
was larger, and the country being in a more peaceful state, things were not so dear. But the Society
itself was in debt. The quarterly bills which I and others were instructed to draw were often met
by borrowed money ; and a correspondence commenced which terminated in the following year
by my resigning from conscientious motives. The teaching of God's Word was unmistakably
clear: "Owe no man anything." To borrow money implied, to my mind, a contradiction of Scripture,
a confession that God had withheld some good thing, and a determination to get for ourselves what He
had not given. Could that which was not right for one Christian to do, be the right course for an asso-
ciation of Christians ? Or could any amount of precedents make a wrong course right ? If the Word
taught me anything, it taught me to have no connection with debt. I could not continue drawing as
before. I knew not what it might cost me, nor how I should support myself; but how glad and
thankful I felt when the separation was effected ! I could look right into a Father's face with a satis-
fied heart, and ready, by His grace, to do the next thing He might teach me, feeling very sure of His
loving care. And how blessedly He did lead me on and care for me, I can never, never tell. It was
like a continuation of some of my earlier home experiences. My faith was not untried ; my faith
often failed, and I was so sorry and ashamed of the failure to trust such a Father. But, oh ! I was
learning to know Him. I would not even then have missed the trial. He became so near, so real,
so intimate ! The occasional trial about funds never came from insufficient supply for personal
needs, but from our ministering to the needs of scores of the hungry and dying ones around us. And
trials, far more searching in other ways, quite eclipsed these difficulties, and being deeper, brought
forth in consequence richer fruits. How glad one is now, not only to know with dear Miss Havergal
that
"They who trust Him wholly
Find Him wholly true,"
but also that when we fail to trust Him wholly we still find Him wholly true. He is wholly true,
whether we trust or not. " If we believe not, He abideth faithful : He cannot deny Himself." But,
oh ! how we dishonour our Lord when we thus fail to trust Him ! And what peace and blessing and
triumph we lose when we thus sin against the Faithful One ! May we never presume to doubt Him
again.
I was very thankful that this separation was accomplished without any breach of friendly feeling
on either side. I (and my friend, Mr. Jones, who took the same step with me), though looking
directly to God for pecuniary supplies, continued to work with the Society, they publishing my
diaries as before. The experiences of this period, which are detailed in "China's Spiritual Need and
Claims," on pages 49—55, and particularly the way in which funds were provided for carrying on
the Ningpo Hospital, when, without warning, I needed to take charge of it, were most encouraging and
instructive preparations for the work which God had in store for me in the China Inland Mission.
Before leaving China for England, I had the joy of seeing a little company of between thirty and forty
native Christians gathered into Church fellowship, and with an account of the conversion of the first ox
these I will conclude this paper.
In 1857, x na cl on one occasion been preaching in Ningpo the glad tidings of salvation through the
finished work of Christ, when a middle-aged man stood up, and before his assembled countrymen gave
the following testimony to the power of the Gospel : — " I have long sought for the truth — as did my
father before me — but I have not found it. I have travelled far, but I have not found it. I have found
no rest in Confucianism, Buddhism, Taoism ; but I do find rest in what I have heard to-night. Hence-
forth I believe in Jesus." This man was one of the leading officers of a sect of reformed Buddhists in
Ningpo. A short time after this profession of faith in the Saviour, there was a meeting of the sect
over which he had formerly presided. I accompanied him to that meeting, and there, to his
former co-religionists, he testified of the peace which he had obtained in believing. Soon after, one of
his former companions was converted and baptised. Both now sleep in Jesus. The first of these
two long continued to preach to his countrymen the glad tidings of great joy. A few nights after his
conversion, he asked how long these glad tidings had been known in England. He was told that we
had had the Gospel for some hundreds of years. The man looked amazed. "What !" said he, " is it
possible that for hundreds of years you have had the knowledge of these glad tidings in your possession,
and yet have only now come to preach them to us ? My father sought after the truth for more than
twenty years, and died without finding it. Why did you not come sooner ? "
152
CHINA'S MILLIONS.
FROM DR. WM. WILSON.
COME accounts of this work have been given in several of this year's numbers, and in February
^ and April we recorded the presentation of two testimonial tablets, which have produced a wide-
spread effect in favour of Christian missions. In our September number Dr. Wilson gave an account
of two surgical cases, and of the probability of a third tablet being presented by the friends of one of
them. This has since been received, as also a fourth, fifth, and sixth, each one of which is not
merely an evidence of gratitude, but increases the popularity of the hospital, and widens the circle
accessible to Christian influence.
'"THE city is just now enlivened by the influx of six or
_L seven thousand students from the eleven cities
ruled by Han-chung Fu. It is the triennial examination.
The Literary Chancellor arrived two days ago from Si-
gan (the capital of the province). These examinations
will not be over for five or six weeks at least, so we hope
to have good opportunities of preaching among the
students. While they are here we shall divide our Sun-
day morning congregation, the women all meeting at the
ladies' house, and the men only at the chapel. We shall
thus have nearly the whole chapel available for guests,
and there will be less to distract their attention, few of
them having seen foreign ladies before.
Yesterday was our first service in this way. It fell to
my turn to take the meeting here, ably seconded by Mr.
Hughesdon and Mr. Hogg, while Mr. Pearse was down
at Shih-pah-li-p'u (the outstation), and my wife took the
women at the ladies' house. We had very good meetings
— the chapel well filled with a very respectful, attentive
audience. Probably nine out of ten had never even heard
the name of JESUS ; so we did rejoice to have so many
there.
We have put up our placard announcing the Sunday
meetings, and also posted some tracts about the streets.
At the bottom of each tract is printed a row of characters,
requesting any who wish to hear more to come any morn-
ing to the hospital. This will probably bring us many
each morning, out of curiosity, to see the foreign hospital.
I hope we may thus have good opportunities of talking
to these students, who are often so difficult to get hold of.
We hear by this post that the two Friends' missionaries,
Mr. and Mrs. Davidson, are coming up here. Do you
know under such circumstances, what is our first thought ?
Will they be wearing English dress?* We all feel
Chinese dress is very much more convenient, especially
in the extreme heat of summer, and the more you are
like the natives, the fewer obstacles are there to friendly
intercourse, and the less do they feel that the truth you
have come to preach is an exotic. It is all very well at
the ports, such as Shanghai and Hankow, to wear
European dress, because there is there a considerable
foreign community ; but nothing would induce any of us
who are in the far interior to wear English clothes.
While the events are still fresh in my memory, I want
to tell you about our receiving our third tablet.
I mentioned the case in detail at the time of the opera-
tion, so I need only remind you of the old vegetarian
woman from ten miles away, who was brought in by her
husband and son, to see if anything could be done to
save her life. We took her in, and her husband and son
were both present at the operation, and saw the w hole
proceeding, from putting her under chloroform to finally
bandaging her up.
* Mr. and Mrs. Davidson had, we hear, put on native dress
before going up the River Han.
The case went on very nicely from the commencement.
The family and friends were much pleased. She and
her son stayed with us nearly a month, and both showed
real interest in the Gospel, and broke their vegetarian
vows. Both of them got a very clear comprehension of
the Gospel. The old woman enjoyed learning hymns,
and on leaving us she said she was resolved never again
to worship idols. They live about three miles from Shih-
pah-ls-p'u, and having persuaded them to come next Sun-
day to chapel, I introduced them to the Christians, that
they might feel they were not strangers, hoping that
they would learn mote, and have any misgivings removed.
Well, yesterday, ten of the male members ot the family,
that is, brothers, uncles, cousins, etc., came up, bringing
with them the tablet. We were told the previous day, so
were prepared for them. About eleven o'clock they
arrived, and having fired off a lot of crackers, as is their
custom, they filed into the courtyard, and up to the guest
hall, and there placed the tablet. Then I was ushered
in, and the old man, the patient's husband, in a few words
presented it. Having thanked them, I explained, as on
the former occasion, that we could not " worship the tab-
let," as is their custom, because we only worshipped God,
but that we might unitedly praise God's goodness for
permitting the patient to be restored ; we then sang
"Praise God from whom all blessings flow," etc.,
and had a few words of prayer.
This over, they all sat down to drink tea and talk for a
few minutes, and then adjourned to the dispensary, where
they immensely enjoyed the galvanic battery, electric
telegraph, sewing machine, and the inspection of sundry
medical and surgical appliances and instruments. Then
at a sit-down lunch of tea and confectionery, conversation
flowed freely, and we had what we had specially prayed
for — good opportunity of plain talk about the true God and
idolatry, and our purpose in living here.
After a substantial dinner they enjoyed themselves as
they would until dark, when we assembled in the large
ward and spent the evening very satisfactorily with the
magic lantern. As one scene after another from the
Gospel history was thrown upon the screen we had a fine
opportunity of preaching the Gospel. These scenes
interspersed with h)mns made a very bright end to a day
such as they had never had befoie ; for they are simple
country people. After united prayers next morning they
all returned home. We pray that many of them may
come to the meetings, and soon become tiue disciples.
We cannot prize too highly any such opportunities of free
and happy intercourse with outsiders, for man)' people
are vaguely suspicious of a foreigner's power. A poor
woman, now in the church, mentioned the other day how
before she was converted, having come here once for medi-
cine, she was prevailed upon to throw it away by some of
her friends, simply from an ill-defined fear of us.
So if we want them to regard our message favourably
CHINAS MILLIONS.
iS3
it is necessary they should first regard us favourably, or at
all events not with suspicion, and certainly the medical
work is a great help in this way. For instance, to-day
I suppose nearly a hundred people have been under our
roof, either members of my wife's bible-class, or patients,
or students, calling out of curiosity to see the foreigners.
Yesterday, I again took the City service, and we were
cheered by having a chapel full of strangers, students,
etc., and most attentive ; my theme was "All the World."
ist. Illustrated by the maps and trying to impress
them with the vastness, first of the world, then of the
heavens and the whole universe, and leading up to the
great God, from whose hand all has come, and by whose
hand all is maintained.
2nd. All the world as regards its inhabitants, with all
their variety in race, language, customs, etc. Yet all
subject to the rule of our GOD. Then took up from large
characters hung upon the wall, four great facts affecting
"all men " — ■
ist. That they were made by our God.
2nd. Had rebelled against GOD.
3rd. Must appear in judgment before God.
4th. Must seek pardon through one only Saviour.
I believe it is a great gain to preach from maps,
sketches, written texts, etc., which appeal to the eye ; and
a help to the interest to conceal from sight the parts not
yet come to. I had the above subjects written in columns,
and a slip of paper over each, to be removed one by one.
^katljing ffljen-iu,
FROM DR. PARR\.
JULY ist. — We are now making good progress on the
last stage of our journey to Chen-tu. The weather
is beautiful. The country around is luxuriously wooded.
The products of this region are maize, lice, tobacco, silk ;
of vegetables, there are beans of various kinds, cucumbers,
vegetable-marrows, cabbage ; of fruits, at present and
during the past month, plums, greengages, small apples,
peaches, wild raspberries, a red fruit the size of the
arbutus, and other native fruits.
Tuesday, July $fh. — While standing in the moonlight
watching our men, I noticed that one of the head boatmen
who is poorly was being attentively waited upon with the
opium-pipe by one of the men, who four times in succes-
sion prepared the morsel and handed the pipe to the sick
man ; a fifth time it was repeated, but the man refused,
and his nurse took it for him. I thought as I looked on,
how little the hard-working men, who at home have their
drink at the tavern, would relish having first to spend
such time and pains carefully to prepare a mouthful of
drink, as these men spend for their whiff of smoke.
First the lamp must be well trimmed, then a small mass
of the treacly- looking substance is taken upon a long fine
needle and passed over the flame, which gradually allows
of the mass being moulded between the thumb and fore-
finger into an elongated pill, which is fixed in the small
aperture of the pipe-bowl, and then again held over the
flame, while the recumbent smoker draws two or three
deep breaths ; then the whole process is repeated until
sufficient is taken. With one or two exceptions, every
man on our boat is an opium-smoker, and would at pre-
sent be classed with moderate drinkers at home.
July 1 \tli. — Praise and thanks to God do fill our hearts,
for here we are at last, after more than 100 clays' journeying,
safely arrived and lovingly welcomed to our new home in
Chen-tu. We moored near the East Gate on Saturday
evening last, after a very slow and toilsome passage up
the much swollen river, going a very few miles a day.
Our mooring-place was just under the shadow of an old
covered bridge, which was described by Marco Polo, and
called the An Shun bridge. A dense crowd thronged the
bridge and every available standing or sitting-place near;
but there was no ill-feeling manifested, only curiosity, the
news of our arrival having evidently been well carried
before us.
Jul/ 17I/1. — At the close of this our second Lord's day
in our new home, we have met to take bread and wine
and remember that " He hath done this.'' What a
hallowed time it has been ! Our party consisted of Mr.
and Mrs. Owen (just leaving for a change) ; Mr. Cassels,
about to leave for Pao ning, after being most kind and
helpful to us all ; Brother Pruen, who to-morrow moves
into the new house ; Misses Fosberry and Webb, and
ourselves. The morning congregation fairly well filled
the chapel. Our hearts are unitedly longing for and ex-
pecting a wave of true revival in this church and city.
The material is here, but we need the fire, and to be lifted
out of the ruts into which we are so apt to settle.
Thursday, July 21st. — We are getting well settled, and
all is going quietly and well at Dr. Pruen's house, where
groups of visitors have already heard the Gospel. I have
a few patients, one a lady in an official family.
July 22nd. — This morning Mr. Cassels and I visited a
large temple and monastery in the city. I have never
seen so imposing and substantial an interior, or such fine
grounds, enclosing a temple. This is only one of the
many noted temples in and about Chen-tu. There were
a great many priests. I tried to get a talk with them, but
they were unwilling, so I got a good congregation of lay-
men at the vestibule, and sold books. We saw the large
refectory, with basins laid for some 200 priests. This
evening, with my wife, I visited a sick woman, a member
of the Church, and we had our first prayer-meeting in a
Christian's home in our new sphere of work. Mrs. Riley
has made a good start with a girls' day-school ; she has
thirteen scholars.
August 16I/1. —We have now been here five weeks, and
are indeed thankful for the gracious providence of God
that has led to our coming to this place. All the dear
fellow-workers have given me a warm welcome here, and
I do trust that God will make me a real help to them all,
and to the converts and heathen. GOD strengthening us,
we mean to go forward in joyful confidence and hope of
all-round blessing according to the spiritual meaning of
the words, " I will make them and the places round about
My hill a blessing ; and I will cause the shower to come
down in his season ; there shall be showers of blessing "
There are about thirty members in the Church, about
one-half women. They attend well on Sabbath, and the
weekly prayer-meeting is improving. The evangelist,
Wang, is a man whom one can much respect and esteem
for his work's sake, one who loves God's Word and has
the work well on his heart. He is very successful in his
attendance on opium-poisoning cases, and is very helpful
in this and many other ways.
There is one applicant for baptism at present who has
been waiting some time, and I hope may be received soon.
We have engaged a stranger for our teacher, and, praise
God, he seems already becoming more and more interested.
J54
CHINAS MILLIONS.
aptisms at $tojj-sjrair.
FROM THE DIARY OF MISS MACINTOSH.
YUH-SHAN, Sunday, May Zth. — Had a large number
of women early this morning, and all were very quiet
and attentive ; I have usually from forty to eighty women,
and many besides the Christians remain to the forenoon
service. Our one difficulty is to get them all seated, as our
house is much too small.
Sunday, \$th. — Such a busy day, and such a happy one !
At 9.30 a.m. I had over eighty women : the pastor, too, had
a large meeting of men, and Miss Tapscott a nice class
of children. The Lord is working in many hearts, and
choosing out a people for Himself here.
Thursday, y>th. — Miss Tapscott and I started early
this morning to visit the Christians in Sa-kung-ling, a
village fifteen li off. It was very hot, and we were glad
to rest on the way, at the house of a Christian, where we
had tea, then went on a few li further, to the house of a
native brother, called Mr. Huang; here we were warmly
welcomed, and had dinner. Although their house stands
quite alone by the road-side, it was not long before we
had a good many visitors. Had a meeting here ; then,
when it got cooler, went on to Sa-kung-ling, where the
people were waiting to welcome us. A dear old woman
had got her room tidied up for us. After our evening rice
all the Christians and neighbours gathered together, and
the house being too small for such a number, we had
a meeting in a large space of ground outside the door ;
every one was quiet and attentive. Many of the friends
of the Christians here are interested.
July \st. — After breakfast the Christians assembled for
morning prayers, and then we started for Ta-yang, on our
way home, though our friends would fain have detained us.
Visited the Christians in Ta-yang, and had a meeting
with them and the neighbours who came in. Reached
home in the evening feeling rather tired, but with hearts
filled with gratitude to GOD for the glorious privilege of
being His ambassadors.
It is arranged to have special meetings for prayer next
Saturday before the examination of candidates for baptism.
Saturday, July 23rd.— Early this morning several of
the Christians and candidates arrived ; one young woman
had walked twenty //, others fifteen li. During the day
others arrived; at 4 p.m. we had a blessed time of prayer.
We did realise the Spirit's presence, and how one's heart
filled with joy, to hear these dear native brethren pouring
out their hearts to God. The Lord heard and answered ;
it was a time of blessing to my own soul. The enemy
has been doing his utmost to hinder, but, blessed be GOD,
his designs, instead of hindering, have prospered the work.
Our evening meeting was a very large and interesting
one. The pastor gave a brief address, after which several
prayed so earnestly ; he then examined a good many,
and some gave very bright testimonies as to their faith in
Jesus Christ and their desire to serve God.
Though it was very late when the meeting was over, no
one seemed in any hurry to go to rest, all were so happy.
After some singing, we retired ; the men slept in the
chapel, the women in our rooms upstairs on the floor.
It has been such a glorious day, Miss Tapscott and I
could not help singing from our hearts, " To God be the
glory — great things He hath done/'
Sunday, 24/I1 — Another busy and blessed day, and
further examination of candidates. A great many cut-
side people came, and were very quiet all thetime. After-
wards we had the opportunity of speaking to a good many
about their souls. Of the thirty-two candidates, eighteen
have been accepted, and are to be baptized next Sunday.
A good many more will be ready for baptism soon.
Sunday, 31st— The pastor preached a very earnest ser-
mon, fully explaining baptism ; then, after prayer, we
assembled outside in the court where the baptistry is, the
candidates standing round it according to ages. The
first to be baptised was : —
1. Hu Lien-chao, aged 56, farmer from Sa-kung-ling.
Has been coming regularly to worship for two years, and
seeni3 an earnest Christian ; his wife and daughter-in-
law are candidates.
2. Hu Chun-seng, aged 35, farmer from Sa-kung-ling.
Has been coming to worship for several years ; he is a very
earnest Christian ; both he and his wife seem so happy.
3. Yang Chien-seng, aged 34, farmer, from Ta-yang.
Has come every Sunday for two years, and is very much
brighter and happier lately ; his father, mother, and
brothers are all Christians.
4. Ling San-ming, aged 33. Is a maker of grass-cloth,
living in a village twenty //' away. He seems an earnest
Christian. He is married to a daughter of Christian
people. She, too, is a believer.
5. Huang Lao-peh, aged 33, tailor, living four li outside
the city. Has been coming regularly for over a year ; very
quiet, but, I believe, a true Christian.
6. Vang Shi-ien, aged 29, farmer, who is a widower, living
three // off. Has been coming at intervals for several years
— last year and this year has come regularly. His face is
sufficient to show he is a Christian, it is always beaming.
Since he became a Christian his friends and relatives
have become interested in the Gospel.
7. Chin Ling-piao, aged 27, tailor. Lives outside the west
gate ; has heard the Gospel for several years. Since last
year has come regularly to worship on Sunday, and very
often during the week. We had been praying for him for
some time, and the last week in May definitely asked the
Lord that he might come out boldly and confess Christ
the following Sunday. The Lord answered our prayers.
He did get up and confess CHRIST, and he got such a
blessing ; he has been so changed since then, so earnest
for the Master. All the false idols, etc., have been
taken away from his house, and the ten commandments
hung up instead. His father, mother, and brother seem
quite pleased with the change, and often come on Sunday.
8. Hu Tien-ho, aged 23, from Sa-kung-ling, son of llu-
lien-chao. Has been coming to worship for some time.
9. Hu Chin-fan, aged 22, son of a well-to-do farmer, from
Sa-kung-ling.
10. Hu Hsi-fah, cousin of above, aged 20, also from
Sa-kung-ling ; his mother is very much against his
coming here. He is also an earnest Christian, and we
trust will be a bright light in his home.
11. Keo Ilsi-tung, aged 14. from Wa-yuh-san. Such a
dear boy, truly one of the lambs of CHRIST'S flock. Last
year his father was very much against his coming here,
but the little fellow was determined to worship GOD. By
and-bye his mother came, and now she is a regular
attendant, and a candidate ; his father now comes also.
12. Chiang Tien-seng, aged 13, the son of the
pastor here. Is a dear Christian boy. At our noon prayer
meeting he prays so earnestly for those who don't know
the SAVIOUR, and especially for the children, and asks
GOD to send many to teach them about Ji
13. Keo-shi, aged 69, an old woman, who lives in the
city. She h.<s been coming for about two years.
CHINA'S MILLIONS.
iS5
14. Hung-shi, aged 56. Her home is fifteen It away ;
she has been living with her daughter, who is a
Christian, and has been coming to worship for about two
years.
1 5. Tung Seng-sao, aged 39, the wife of Huang Yung-
leng. They and his mother are also very bright, earnest
Christians.
16. Huang Chun-Ian, aged 20, the daughter ot above,
a very bright, intelligent girl, and a true Christian. Of this
family only one remains, a son aged eighteen, who is now
coming to worship — a very bright young man. Last Sun-
day when his parents went home, he said, " All of you are
Jesus' disciples, and I want to be one too." Praise God
for one whole family on the Lord's side.
The other two, Chung Seng-sao and Tung-mei, were
both ill, and unable to walk such a long distance to-day,
but hope to be baptised soon. The latter is a daughter of
our Bible woman, a dear young Christian of seventeen.
Her husband, though not a Christian, is very willing she
should worship God, and sometimes comes himself.
©illage Wiaxk
FROM MISS M. E. SCOTT.
YANG-CHAU, Sat., Sept yd— Today I have had my
first experience of village work, and most delight-
fully interesting it has been. Of course at present my
own words are very few, but I went to-day chiefly to learn.
Miss Lily Davis and our dear Christian woman were my
companions. After a delightful little time of prayer with
the sisters here for blessing on our undertaking, we started
on a wheelbarrow about eleven a.m., and I only wish our
friends at home could see what capital contrivances they
are, and how well adapted to these narrow streets.
It was a glorious morning, and we felt in the best of
spirits, and confident that our prayers were heard, and
that we should have a real good time. We went first of
all through some streets that rather reminded one of East
than of West-end London life, and then passing through
one of the city gates, reached the canal and the shipping.
There were some very interesting shops and warehouses
just here. Soon we saw a queer-looking raft, which proved
to be our ferry-boat. We had for companions a man with
a number of lanterns, a man and donkey, our own, and, if
I remember rightly, another wheelbarrow, and a few more
passengers. These rafts are just poled across by one
man. Once I thought we were in imminent peril from a
collision with a large boat that was coming down the
canal with a good breeze ; but our clever boatman
used his long pole to help himself, and very soon we
reached the other bank, where we and our curious cargo
were disembarked — my first experience of a Chinese ferry,
else I should not have entered into such minute details ;
I want my dear ones at home to be able to picture it.
We had not gone far on the other side, when we were
greatly encouraged by a nice-looking Chinaman coming
up and buying two Gospels, and someone else bought a
third. We had not been able to go out of the city for
some time on account of the hot weather, so to-day we
thoroughly enjoyed the fresh breeze and open country,
and some handsome sunflowers looked very home like.
Our first halt was at a resting-place in a little hamlet.
Here some seats were brought us, and Miss Davis and
the woman began to talk to a very interested and rapidly-
increasing congregation. I should think that, including
children, thirty or forty people collected, and two or
three Gospels and tracts were sold. One poor man with
weak eyes seemed particularly interested, and quite agreed
with what Miss Davis said about the powerlessness of
idols to help us in any way.
We then went on to another road-side resting-place,
and here a man said to us, " What is the use of bringing
opium first, and then coming to preach the doctrine?"
and a great deal more in the same strain ; so you see how
our national shame meets us at every turn. What a
debt we owe to this land ! From the lowest standpoint it
is only our duty to bring to these poor Chinese the only
real cure for this and every other sin.
We stopped again a little further on, where a good
many women were gathered, and one dear woman bought
a tract ; she could not read herself, she said, but her
neighbour could, so she bought her tract, and carefully
folded it up. I always feel happy and satisfied when we
scatter some of God's own Word, for have we not His
faithful word of promise that it shall not return unto Him
void, but shall accomplish the end for which He sent it ?
I wish I could picture these little crowds for you ; they
seem to make the Gospel story so much more real. Men,
women, and children, many rather ragged and dirty, but
others, again, clean and nice as you might wish to see ;
many with really lovely dark eyes, and very lovable,
smiling faces ; and then, again, sad and careworn faces,
with here and there bad eyes and other disfigurements.
Very, very few had ever heard before of JESUS, or of the
one true GOD. It seemed to bring us very near to Him
as they crowded round us, and made us think of those
Judaean crowds ; but oh, how we longed to bring the
knowledge of the great Healer of soul and body to
them ! Dear ones at home, do pray for China, for it is
not by might nor by power, but by My SPIRIT, saith the
Lord of Hosts. Pray that each of us may keep in touch
with Jesus, and he Jilted with His Spirit, so that rivers
of living water may flow forth from every one of us.
Presently we sat down in the shade of a little grove of
bamboos to have some lunch, and a poor woman offered
to make us some tea, when she heard Miss Davis say how
thirsty she was (and no wonder, after talking for so long).
We followed this dear woman up a little path to her
house — such a queer little mud dwelling ; but there again
we had quite a nice meeting, and once more dear Lily
told the good news. The kind receptions we received
greatly encouraged us.
There is so much land yet to be possessed, that I think
" the hundred workers " will have at least to be doubled,
and then there will yet be plenty of room for the " exceed-
ing abundantly." The fields are white and ready to har-
vest, and if it is such glad work only to hear others tell
the glad tidings, I can hardly realise how great the joy
will be of telling it with one's own lips. Any friends at
home who can be spared, and who want their cup to be
always running over, should come to China, though I quite
believe that anywhere with jESUSwould be equally blessed.
His presence is salvation, from sin, and self, and fear, and
everything. I do bless God that my way to the Celestial
City lies through China. My great desire now is that
" wherever I see the print of His foot in the earth, there I
may covet to set my leet too."
Friends at home, pray more and more earnestly for us,
for the dear native Christians, and especially for Yang-
chau and the villages around, and let me send this home
for your encouragement in asking great things : JESUS
says, "What things soever ye desire, when ye pray,
believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them "
(Mark xi. 24). He always keeps His word.
156
CHINAS MILLIONS.
Citrrngs from: SSraitertfcr ffllrrrhers.
Miss KINAHAN writes from Ts'in-cbau, July 9th, " God
did open my mouth and give me utterance in the city yesterday.
When I was asked in, where I believe no one had been before,
I felt so weak and almost frightened, even though our woman
was with me. As I stepped over the threshold, I just raised my
heart to Him who is the Helper of the helpless to use me to
His own glory, and I was able, better than I had ever been
before, to give the message of God's love in Jesus to us lost
sinners. The little crowd of women round me listened eagerly,and
some said they understood. You can hardly, I think, imagine
my joy, as I find the sounds in this language hard to pronounce.
"July 10th. — Praise the Lord, six women gave in their names
for baptism to-day, and Miss Marston says she knows of two or
three more who were not here, and believes for much more to
follow. You can fancy her joy, as they are really her own in the
Lord. Over fifty attended the morning service, and a good
number in the afternoon."
The Bev. G F, KASTON writes from Han-chungon July
iSth : " I am plad to be able to write to you from this place at so
early a date. I had not expecttd to be here so soon, but God has
been very good tous. We have had a good journey, and got here
just as we were beginning to feel the travelling tedious. We
received a warm welcome from both foreigners and natives, and
soon felt quite at home again."
Miss EMILY M. JOHNSON writes on July 15th,
while nearing Han-chung : " Oh, that the Lord's Kingdom
would come in China! As I pass through this lovely country I
long more and more for the day when it shall be brought into sub-
jection under His feet, and He shall reign Kino of kings and
Lord of lords in every heart throughout this dark empire."
July 1 8th : "We arrived safely in Han-chung last Saturday.
There were crowds of men and women all the way from Shih-
pah-li-p'u to welcome Mr. and Mrs. Easton ; the joy was very
great. At the service yesterday the chapel was crowded with
men and women eager to see them."
Miss THOMSON writes from the Upper Han, on June
13th, " Lovely day. Started this morning at 4.30 a.m. The sun-
rise was magnificent, and the scenery is beyond description — the
daik rolling river underneath, the everlasting hills around, and
the lovely tinted sky above, all combine to make a picture more
easily imagined than de5crib«d. Verily, the Lord is going
before and preparing the way. While on the boat we are busy
trying to learn the language, for we feel how useless we are till
we have it. In this, too, we have His help.
"June 19th. — Arrived at Lan-t'an, and received a warm wel-
come from Mr. and Mrs. King and the Misses Jane and Emily
Black. Mr. King is looking very ill."
Miss J. STEVENS writes from the hills near T'ai-yiien on
August Sth, that she and Miss Broomhall were now quite well ;
they had had opportunities of work amongst the countrywomen.
She says, " You would be glad to see these poor countrywomen
come in and bring their babies and work, and often slaying for
hours at a time ; they keep us nearly supplied with vegetables, out
of the kindness of their hearts."
Miss MARY BLACK writes from Shanghai on August
27th : " One of the women in my class has asked for baptism.
Mr. Stevenson writes to me from Che-foo ; ' All well here ; work
and schools prospering; thirteen baptisms lately.' "
Mr. JUDD writes from Ning-hai, near Che-foo, on Septem-
ber 4th :—" This morning a few of us met for prayer, and then the
first two men who, as far as we know, have been converted to
God in Ning-hai, were baptised. Praise the Lord with us for
these firstfruits."
Miss WHITCHURCH writes from Che-foo on September
6th : — " Truly there is the sound of abundance of rain on every
hand, for which we cannot praise enough. You may imagine
how we felt when the glad news arrived of 70 out of the 100
being accepted. No doubt you have already heard that six
men and seven women were baptised here three weeks ago.
Was it not good of the Lord to let us see this before leaving
beautiful Che-foo for a new sphere cf work ? The women have
been attending the Bible-class for a long time, and though still
very ignorant, we believe that they are saved through simple
faith in Jesus."
Miss ANNIE TAYLOR writes on July 30th :— " I have
just returned from Ta-ni-si, Kan-suh, where I had a splendid
time ; the Lord giving me favour amongst the people. I dis-
tributed 1,300 Tibetan text cards. It has been a happy journey
for the coolie who came with me, he having given himself to
the Lord on the road here."
Miss TAPSCOTT wrote from Ta-ku-t'ang, " We have had
good crowds of women. Miss M. II. Taylor spoke for a long while :
there was breathless attention. I felt the Spirit's power very
much, and feel sure there will be blessed results from this morn-
ing's service." And again, writing on July 31st, from Yuh-shan,
after telling of happy work and of the baptisms, she says, " I
hive to praise the Lord for every step of the way since I
landed in China, and especially for the step to Yuh-shan.
" ' The way grows brighter and brighter still,
All the way 'long it is Jesus.' "
Miss M. HUDSON TAYLOR writes from Kwei-k i on
September 51I1 : —"Last Tuesday we were surprised by the arrival
of Misses Williams and Gibson, who came with the pastor From
Yuh-shan for the baptisms here. On Saturday our numbers
were further swelled by the arrival of Miss Tapscott, her
woman, and the pastor's son. We were fifteen Christians under
one roof. Fifteen were received — six men and nine women —
and after the baptisms twenty-eight of us (eight of whom were
visitors) remembered our Lord's death. Oh, it was a happy
day ! To-day our party has broken up, and the pastor and his
his son have gone on to Gan-ren for the baptisms there."
Miss JENNIE WEBB \\ rites from Yang-chau, July 18th,
" Dear Miss C. Murray has gone to Ta-ku t'ang for a month or
so to get a rest. In the meantime some of the new sisters have
been taking it in turn to stay with me. It was a trial to think
of being without dear Miss Murray, but God has been so gra-
ciously and lovingly helping me in every need. I have been
proving the promise, ' As thy days so shall thy strength be; "
and it has made me to trust and not be afraid. I woulJ ask
your prayers for our elder Christian girls ; in some things they
might be examples to girls of their own age at home, but some
of them find it so difficult sometimes to do the right. They are
specially troubled with sullen tempers.
" It is such a joy to us out here to hear of so many workers at
home offering themselves for this great work of making known
Christ to those in darkness."
Mr. JAMES AD AM writes from Malta, September 3rd:—
"Just a word to let you know that the Lord has been blessing,
keeping, and shining upon us. Truly goodness and mercy are
following us all the way.''
Later tidings, posted from Singapore on September 26th, from
Mr. Coulthard, Mr. Grade, and Mr. Curnow tell of God's
goodness to the party thus far, and of a happy service held in
Col umbo.
jgigar teis fa x Cjrina.
On Oft. 20//1, per P. and O. steamer Khedive, Miss Fanny
Boyd left to return to China, accompanied by Misses Floki
and Clara Ellis, C.J. Williamson, M. Palmer, F. Haingb,
M. Mitchell, E. Marciibank, I. W. Ramsay, and Ger-
trude Ord.
On Nov. 3rd, per P. and O. steamer Pekin, Messrs. Ririe,
Rbdfrrn, Wei.i.wood, Saunders, Bland, Lutley, Vale,
I'anson and Wafers left for China.
And on Nov. 17M, per P. and O. steamer Kosetta, Misses
M. Graham Brown, f. M. Williams, J. Arthur, M. J.
Eland. E. Kentfield, L. Chilton, and A. Barrett are to
leave for China.
mxanuxm of % Cljnn fnlantr Utissfott.
Date of A
rrival.
J. H. Taylor, Director
I8.S4
Mrs. Hudson Taylor . .
1866
James Meadows . .
1862
Mrs. Meadows . .
1866
George Stott . .
1866
1870
J. W. Stevenson . .
1866
Mrs. Stevenson .. ..
1866
J. Williamson . .
1866
Mrs. Williamson
i87S
W. D. RUDLAND . .
1866
Mrs. RUDLAND .. ..
1875
John McCarthy.. ..
1867
Mrs. McCarthy . .
1867
J. E. Cardwell . .
1868
Mrs. Cardwell . .
1868
Charles H. Judd
1868
1868
1872
Fredk. W. Baller . .
1873
1866
Benj. Bagnall . .
1873
Mrs. Bagnall .. ..
1880
A. W. Douthwaite
M.D. (U.S.A.) .. ..
1874
Henry Soltau .. ..
I87S
1883
George King .. ..
i87S
1083
J.Cameron,m.d.(u.s.a.
) I87S
George Nicoll .. ..
1875
1879
G. W. Clarke . .
1875
Mrs. G. W. Clarke ..
1880
J. F. Broumton .. ..
I87S
Mrs. Broumton . .
1879
i875
1 881
Miss E.Wilson .. ..
1876
Edward Pearse.. ..
1876
1875
George Parker . .
187O
1880
Horace A. Randle . .
1876
1878
R. J. Landale, m.a. . .
1876
1876
Charles G. Moore ..
1878
1878
A. C. Dorward .. ..
1878
Samuel R. Clarke . .
1878
Mrs. S. R. Clark
1878
Frank Trench .. ..
1878
Miss Fanny Boyd
1878
W. L. Elliston .. ..
1878
Mrs. Elliston . .
1882
Edward Tomalin ..
1876
Mrs. Tomalin . .
1866
John J. Coulthard . .
1879
Henry W. Hunt
1879
1878
Thos. W. Pigott, b.a
1879
1882
W. L. Pruen, l.r.c.p. . .
1880
1876
Mrs. SCHOFIELD .. ..
1880
Miss C. M. Kerr . .
1880
Dat(
: of Arrival.
William Cooper
.. I88l
. .. —
David Thompson .
. .. I88l
Mrs. Thompson .
. .. 1883
Arthur Eason .
. .. I88l
. .. l88l
George Andrew .
. .. l88l
Mrs. Andrew
. .. 1882
H. Hudson Taylor . . 1881
Mrs. H. H. Taylor . . 1884
E.H.Edwards,m.b.,c.m. 1882
Mrs. Edwards . . . . 1882
W. Wilson, m.b., cm. 1882
Mrs. Wilson 1883
Mrs. Riley 1882
Miss S. Carpenter . . 1883
Miss M. Carpenter . . 1883
Fredk. A. Steven . . 1883
F.Marcus Wood .. 1883
Mrs. Wood 1883
Henry Dick 1883
Owen Stevenson .. 1883
Mrs. Rendall . . . . 1883
Miss J. Black . . . . 1883
J. H. Sturman .. .. 1883
W. E. Burnett .. .. 1883
Mrs. Burnett .. .. 1881
MissS. Seed 1883
Miss L. Malpas .. .. 1883
A. Langman 1884
Thomas King . . . . 1884
William Key .. .. 1884
Mrs. W. Key i8?4
Miss Whitchurch . . 1884
Mrs. Cheney 1884
Thomas Windsor .. 1884
Edward Hughesdon . 1884
Miss Emily Black . . 1884
Miss Emily Fosbery . . 1884
Miss Mary Williams . 1884
Chas. H. Hogg .. .. 1884
Mrs. Hogg 1883
J. McMullan .. .. 1884
John Finlayson.. .. 1884
J. A. Summon . . . . 1884
Miss Cath. A. Todd . . 1884
Miss M. Hudson Taylor 1884
Miss Mary Black . . 1884
Miss Annie R. Taylor 1884
Miss Ellen A. Barclay 1884
H. Parry, l.r.c.p., etc. 1884
Mrs. Parry 1884
Miss A. G. Broomhall 1884
A. Hudson Broomhall 1884
Miss Maria Byron .. 1884
Duncan Kay . . . . 1884
Mrs. Duncan Kay .. 1884
George Miller .. .. 1884
William Laughton .. 1884
Mrs. Laughton . . . . 1885
Stewart McKke . . 1884
Thomas Hutton . . . . 1884
Mrs. Hutton 1885
Charles Horobin .. 1884
John Reid 1884
Albert Phelps .. .. 1884
Miss C. K. Murray . . 1884
1884
1884
1884
1884
Date of Arrival.
Miss M. Murray . . . . 1884
Miss Macintosh . . . . 1884
Miss Agnes Gibson
Miss McFarlane..
Miss Lily Webb . .
Miss Alice Drake
Miss Eleanor Marston 1884
Herbert L. Norris 1884
F. T. Foucar .. .. 1885
T.James 1885
John Smith .. .. 1885
Stanley P. Smith, b.a. 1885
C. T. Studd,B.A 1885
W. W. Cassels, b.a. . . 1885
Mrs. Cassels .. .. 1886
D. E. Hoste .. .. 1885
M. Beauchamp, b.a. . . 1885
C. Polhill -Turner .. 1885
A.Polhill-Turner.b.a. 1885
F. W. K. Gulston .. 1885
Mrs. Gulston .. .. 1882
Richard Gray Ovven 1885
Mrs. Gray Owen . . 1883
Maurice J. Walker. . 1885
T. E. S. Botham .. 1885
\V. E. Terry 1885
Mrs. Terry 1886
W. T. Beynon .. ..1885
Mrs. Beynon ifc85
Miss Jennie Webb .. 1885
Miss Jane Stevens .. 1885
\V. Hope Gill . . . . 1885
D.M.Robertson .. 1885
J. A. Heal 1885
R. Grierson 1885
J. R. Douglas . . . . 1885
M. Harrison 1885
Miss J. D. Robertson 1&86
Native Pastors, Evangelists,
Miss L. E. Hibberd ..1886
MissS. E.Jones .. .. 1886
Miss C. P. Clark.. .. 1886
Miss S. Reuter . . . . 1886
Miss A. S. Jakobsen . . 1886
Miss Jane C. Oliver . . 1886
Miss E. C. Fenton ..1886
Miss F. R. Kinahan .. 1886
Miss Tapscott . . . . 1886
MissL. Davis .. .. 1886
MisFausset 1886
Mi-s C. Littler .. .. 1886
Miss Annie Say .. .. 1886
Arch.OrrEwing, Jun. 1886
Eldred S. Sayers .. 1886
Geo. Graham Brown . 1886
Andrew Wright .. 1886
J.CStewart,m.d.(u.s.a.)i886
Miss H. E. Kings . . 1886
W.S.Johnston .. .. 1887
Frank McCarthy . . 1887
Joi^n Brock 1887
Wm. Russell .. .. 1887
John Darroch .. .. 1887
Erik Folke 1887
Miss P. L. Stewart .. 1887
MissG. M. Mlir .. .. 1887
Miss Cath. THOMSON .. 1887
Miss Kate McWatters 1887
Preachers, Colporteurs,
Date of Arr
Miss E. J. Burroughes
Miss F. M. Britton . .
Miss Emily M. Johnson
Miss Annie McQuillan
Miss Caroline Gates
Miss J. A. Miller
Miss Maggie MacKee
MissHARRiET K.Parker
Miss Ella Webber . .
Miss C. Groves . . ..
Miss Ada E. Knight . .
Miss Louisa K. Ellis
Alex. Armstrong . .
Mrs. Armstrong . .
Miss M. E. Scott
Miss Alice A. Milks. .
Miss Harriet A. Judd
Miss EmmaCulverwell
Miss L. M. Forth
W.J.Lewis
A. H. Faers
A. Hoddle
J. O. Curnow . .
I. F. Drysdale . .
D.J.Mills
James Adam
Archibald Gracie . .
E. Tomkinson . .
Mrs. TOMKINSON .. ..
Miss A. Ferriman
Miss E. Maud Holme
Miss H. R. Waldie . .
Miss S. E. Bastone . .
Miss A. K. Hook . .
Miss Harriett Cutt . .
Miss Emma Fryer
John A. Stooke . .
Mrs. Stooke
A. Ewing
D. Lawson
A. H. Huntley . .
H.N Macgregor ..
Miss Florence Ei lis
Miss Clara Ellis
Miss C J. Williamson
Miss M. Palmer .. ..
Miss E. Hainge .. ..
Miss M. Mitchei.l
Miss E. March bank ..
Miss I. W. Ramsay ..
Miss Gertrude Ord ..
Benj. Ririe
F. A. Redfern .. ..
R. Wellwood .. ..
A. R. Saunders .. ..
A. Bland
C. S. P Anson .. ..
A. Lutley
Jos. Vale
B. Cunis Wajern ..
Miss J. B. Arthur ..
Miss Graham Brown
Miss Alice Barrett..
MissF. M. Wiliiams
Miss M. J. Eland
Miss E. Kkntfield . .
M iss L. E. V. A.Chilton
etc., 117.
887
887
887
8X7
887
887
887
887
887
887
887
867
887
887
887
887
887
887
887
887
887
887
887
887
887
887
887
887
887
8*7
88;
8S7
887
November, 1SS7.
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